Tanzanite
Tanzanite, with its captivating blue-to-violet hues, is a rare gemstone that has gained worldwide admiration for its beauty, uniqueness, and symbolic significance.
|
Mohs Hardness
|
Suitable for Jewelry Types |
Good for Everyday? |
|
6-7 |
Earrings, Necklaces, Pendants, Rings (with protective settings) |
No (best for occasional wear) |
Birthstone
Tanzanite is recognized as a modern birthstone for December, alongside turquoise and zircon. Its vibrant, wintry hues make it a meaningful choice for celebrating December birthdays or other special occasions during the holiday season.
Origin
Tanzanite is one of the world’s rarest gemstones, found exclusively in Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This unique geographic origin adds to its mystique and exclusivity.
Major sources of tanzanite include:
- Merelani Hills, Tanzania: The only known location of tanzanite in the world.
- Tanzanite is considered 1,000 times rarer than diamonds due to its limited geographical source.
Chemical Formula
Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate mineral. Its chemical formula is Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). Tanzanite owes its striking blue and violet tones to trace amounts of vanadium, enhanced through heat treatment.
Fun Facts
- Exclusively Tanzanian
- Tanzanite is found in only one place on Earth—at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This exclusivity makes it rare and highly sought after, giving it an “exotic” allure like no other gemstone.
- One-of-a-Kind Color
- Known for its rich blue-violet hues, Tanzanite displays a color that shifts between deep blue and vibrant purple depending on the angle and light. This unique color blend gives Tanzanite a mesmerizing, dynamic beauty.
- Relatively New Gem on the Block
- Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is a newcomer in the gem world compared to classics like diamonds or sapphires. Its discovery was accidental, making it a relatively modern addition to jewelry that still feels fresh and exciting.
- A True Color Chameleon
- Tanzanite is trichroic, meaning it can display three different colors—blue, violet, and burgundy—depending on the angle and lighting. This feature gives Tanzanite a beautiful color-shifting quality that’s hard to find in other gems.
- December’s Birthstone
- Tanzanite is one of the birthstones for December, offering a dazzling alternative to more traditional gems. It’s a perfect fit for anyone born in winter, reflecting the deep blues and purples of a winter sky.
- Popularity Sparked by Tiffany & Co.
- After its discovery, Tiffany & Co. helped popularize Tanzanite worldwide, naming it after Tanzania and introducing it as a new luxury gem. Today, it’s celebrated as a sophisticated choice with a touch of history.
- Eye-Catching Clarity and Sparkle
- Tanzanite is prized for its high clarity and excellent transparency. When cut well, it has a dazzling sparkle that rivals even the finest gemstones, making it a favorite for jewelry lovers who enjoy bold, clean designs.
- A Gemstone on Limited Time
- With a finite supply and only one known source, Tanzanite is often considered a “generation gem” because the deposits may run out within our lifetimes. This limited availability makes it even more desirable as an investment piece.
- Moderate Hardness, Maximum Appeal
- With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, Tanzanite is softer than diamonds or sapphires, so it requires a bit of extra care. However, its beauty and rarity make it a beloved choice for special-occasion jewelry that still feels durable and luxurious.
- Perfect for Statement Pieces
- Tanzanite’s vivid color and unique characteristics make it ideal for eye-catching rings, necklaces, and earrings. Its natural beauty is striking enough to stand alone, making it a fantastic choice for jewelry with a bit of drama and elegance.
Tanzanite is a gemstone with a captivating backstory, striking color play, and a level of exclusivity that’s hard to match. Whether you’re drawn to its rarity, beauty, or connection to the land of Tanzania, Tanzanite is a gem that feels both precious and irreplaceable.