Tanzanite, with its mesmerizing blue-violet hues, is a rare and exquisite gemstone found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Known for its spiritual and healing properties, tanzanite requires regular cleansing and charging to maintain its energetic potency. This guide will delve into the science and tradition behind cleansing and charging tanzanite, providing you with practical steps to keep your gemstone vibrant and energetically effective.
Understanding Tanzanite
Before diving into the cleansing and charging processes, it’s important to understand tanzanite’s unique properties. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is known for its trichroism—an optical phenomenon where the gemstone exhibits different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is between 6 and 7, making it relatively durable but still susceptible to scratches and damage.
Why Cleanse Tanzanite?
Tanzanite, like all gemstones, is believed to absorb and store energy. Over time, it can accumulate negative energies from its environment or from those who handle it. Regular cleansing is essential to remove these negative energies, restoring the stone to its natural, vibrant state.
Why Charge Tanzanite?
Charging is the process of rejuvenating a gemstone’s natural energies. Once tanzanite is cleansed of negative influences, it needs to be charged to enhance its positive vibrations. This process aligns the stone with its intended purpose, whether for healing, meditation, or everyday wear.
Methods of Cleansing Tanzanite
Water Cleansing
Steps:
Use Lukewarm Water: Gently rinse your tanzanite under lukewarm running water. Avoid hot or very cold water as extreme temperatures can cause thermal shock, potentially leading to cracks.
Mild Soap: If needed, use a mild, phosphate-free soap to clean any dirt or oils. Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents which can damage the stone.
Soft Brush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the stone, particularly in any crevices where dirt may accumulate.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue, then pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Note: Avoid prolonged exposure to water, especially if your tanzanite is set in jewelry with other materials that may be sensitive to moisture.
Saltwater Cleansing
Steps:
Prepare Solution: Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in a bowl of lukewarm water.
Submerge Stone: Place the tanzanite in the solution and let it soak for a few hours. Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent any potential damage to the stone.
Rinse and Dry: After soaking, rinse the stone thoroughly with fresh water to remove any salt residue, then dry with a soft cloth.
Caution: Use saltwater cleansing sparingly, as frequent use can be abrasive.
Smudging
Smudging is an ancient practice using smoke from sacred herbs to cleanse gemstones.
Steps:
Select Herb: Common herbs for smudging include sage, palo santo, or cedar.
Light the Herb: Light the end of the herb bundle or stick until it smolders and produces smoke.
Pass the Stone Through Smoke: Hold the tanzanite in the smoke for several minutes, ensuring the smoke envelops the entire stone.
Sound Cleansing
Sound waves can effectively cleanse gemstones by disrupting negative energy patterns.
Steps:
Choose an Instrument: Use a singing bowl, tuning fork, or chimes.
Play the Instrument: Place the tanzanite near the instrument and play it, allowing the sound vibrations to pass through the stone for several minutes.
Earth Burial
Returning tanzanite to the earth is a grounding method that allows the stone to release negative energies back to nature.
Steps:
Wrap the Stone: Wrap the tanzanite in a natural fabric like cotton or silk to protect it.
Bury in Soil: Bury the wrapped stone in the ground, ensuring it is in a safe, undisturbed location.
Leave Overnight: Leave the stone buried for at least 24 hours before retrieving and rinsing it with fresh water.
See Also: Why Do Tourists Love Tanzanite So Much?
Methods of Charging Tanzanite
Sunlight Charging
Sunlight is a powerful source of natural energy.
Steps:
Select a Safe Spot: Place the tanzanite in a location where it will receive direct sunlight, but not for too long as prolonged exposure can fade the stone’s color.
Charge Duration: Allow the stone to bask in sunlight for 1-2 hours.
Caution: Avoid midday sun as the intense heat can damage the stone.
Moonlight Charging
Moonlight, especially during a full moon, is a gentle and effective way to charge tanzanite.
Steps:
Place Outside: Place the tanzanite outside or on a windowsill where it can absorb moonlight.
Overnight Charge: Leave the stone overnight to soak up lunar energies.
Crystal Clusters
Certain crystals, like clear quartz or amethyst, can amplify and transfer their energies to tanzanite.
Steps:
Select a Cluster: Use a cleansed and charged crystal cluster.
Place Tanzanite on Cluster: Position the tanzanite on or near the cluster.
Leave Overnight: Allow the tanzanite to charge for several hours or overnight.
Visualization
Using the power of intention and visualization can be a potent method for charging tanzanite.
Steps:
Find a Quiet Space: Sit in a quiet, meditative space.
Hold the Stone: Hold the tanzanite in your hands.
Visualize Energy: Close your eyes and visualize a bright light surrounding the stone, filling it with positive energy.
Set Intention: Mentally project your intention into the stone, whether for healing, protection, or another purpose.
Reiki and Energy Healing
Reiki practitioners can channel universal life force energy into tanzanite, charging it with positive vibrations.
Steps:
Seek a Practitioner: Find a certified Reiki practitioner.
Energy Session: During a Reiki session, the practitioner will hold the tanzanite and infuse it with healing energy.
Conclusion
Tanzanite is not only a visually stunning gemstone but also a powerful tool for spiritual and emotional well-being. By regularly cleansing and charging your tanzanite, you ensure it remains energetically vibrant and effective. Whether you prefer the simplicity of water cleansing or the mystical allure of moonlight charging, there are numerous methods to suit your needs and lifestyle. Embrace the process as a mindful practice, deepening your connection with this rare and beautiful gemstone.
