I know my sister loves her collection of stones, lava and sea glass and I had the mad idea of bringing back for her from Africa a tiny piece of tanzanite. It is a beautiful stone which changes colour according to the light; sometimes it’s blue like a sapphire, sometimes purple like amethyst. Its name comes from the only place in the world it is mined, in Tanzania, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Of course I knew she couldn’t take it with her – I’m not that daft – but I hoped a crystal would inspire her at home in Canterbury as her grueling preparations for the big climb continue.
What’s more, tanzanite is claimed to have good vibrations when you hold it in your hands and it has powerful properties for metaphysical healing. It helps you develop physic power, strengthens the immune system, and detoxifies the blood. Just Google it – it even increases fertility!
So when we went to a diamond wholesaler in Capetown whose entire front window was advertising the “Queen of Kilimanjaro” I felt hopeful. Wholesalers are cheap, right? Perhaps the champagne as we came in should have rung warning bells but no, I still hoped for a tiny crystal at a tiny price. No way. Every crystal came encrusted with diamonds and a BIG price tag. So, sorry, Sheila, next time you need a burst of psychic energy please gaze at this picture. Good luck guys.
