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Discovered relatively recently, tanzanite boasts a breathtaking blue and an almost magical aura. The birthstone for December and the gem marking 24 years of wedding anniversary, it symbolizes luck, prosperity, and renewal. Read on for a deep dive into the history and every benefit this remarkable gemstone has to offer.
In 1967, violent storms swept across Merelani Hills in Tanzania, not far from Kilimanjaro. Frightened by the wildfires, the Maasai shepherds watching over their herds fled. When they returned, they found stones on the ground whose original brown color had been transformed into a brilliant blue by the heat. They brought the stones to a local explorer, who sent them to a gemologist for identification. The gemologist in turn forwarded them to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in New York, where they were identified as a previously unknown variety of zoisite. Exposure to temperatures of 600 degrees had turned them from brown to blue gemstones.
For the Maasai people, this stone - whose color they consider sacred - is given to women who have just given birth, as a symbol of health and good fortune.
A few years later, the iconic fine jewelry house Tiffany & Co fell head over heels for this stone. Named "tanzanite" in homage to its one-of-a-kind origin - found only in Tanzania - the jeweler became the first to bring this gemstone to market. Today, this fine stone is crafted into a variety of stunning jewelry pieces, including the tanzanite ring, available in a range of unique designs.
Today, tanzanite is becoming increasingly sought-after in fine jewelry and High Jewelry. It is most commonly set in earrings and pendants, but it is also highly prized for engagement rings, thanks to its blue hue and the symbolism that comes with it.
Tanzanite is found in only one place on earth: the Merelani Hills, near the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania. It is an exceptionally rare stone - far rarer than diamond - and its deposits will likely be exhausted within a few years.
Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite (silicate group), composed of calcium and aluminum silicates. Its crystal structure is orthorhombic and its luster is vitreous, with a pearly sheen along cleavage planes. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and a density of 3.35.
Tanzanite is a remarkable stone with strong pleochroism - meaning it changes color depending on the light (pleochroism). More specifically, it naturally displays three colors (trichroism): blue, red, and violet, each more or less visible depending on the viewing angle. Its light-to-deep blue hue comes from the presence of vanadium, with the deepest blues appearing when the stone is exposed to high temperatures.
While yellow gold best enhances tanzanite's blue-to-violet tones, tanzanite pairs beautifully with all other metals, including rose gold, white gold, and platinum.
On an emotional level, tanzanite stimulates artistic creativity and intuition. It heightens sensory perception and supports meditation and spiritual elevation. It is a stone that helps you surpass yourself and reach your full potential, while also keeping a cool head. It improves dream quality, fosters curiosity, inspiration, and memory, and boosts self-confidence and intuition.
On a physical level, tanzanite has a positive effect on the brain. It soothes stomach aches and migraines, and supports kidney health. It helps address vision and hearing issues, promotes cell regeneration, and strengthens the immune system. It can also be used to treat certain skin conditions.
Tanzanite does not handle heat well and is especially vulnerable to extreme temperature swings. You should also avoid impacts, as this gemstone is quite fragile. Store it in a fabric pouch or a box, separate from other stones and jewelry.
A little lukewarm water and soap are all you need to clean it. Gently brush, rinse, then carefully dry the tanzanite with a soft cloth.
Price depends on the rarity and quality of the tanzanite. Aesthetically, the color should be intense, saturated, and uniform - deep blue (sapphire blue in particular) is the most sought-after when compared to violet specimens. Check that the stone's hue shifts slightly depending on the viewing angle, as this is one of tanzanite's defining characteristics - the shift can be very subtle. In addition, the stone should have no inclusions visible to the naked eye. Note that most tanzanites undergo heat treatment to enhance their blue color.
Rings, pendants, necklaces… Ocarat offers a wide range of tanzanite-set jewelry. Browse our online jewelry store and choose from the finest pieces on the market - the perfect gift for someone special. Use our search filters to find the tanzanite piece that speaks to you, right here on Ocarat.
Tanzanite naturally displays three distinct hues: blue, red, and violet. One of its defining traits is that its color shifts depending on light exposure. High temperatures can also alter the intensity of tanzanite's color.
Tanzanite is a particularly delicate stone that does not respond well to significant temperature changes - handle it with care. To preserve its natural beauty, store it separately from other jewelry in its own box. When it comes to cleaning, use only lukewarm water and mild soap.
Tanzanite is known for its strong pleochroism - meaning its color shifts depending on how light hits it. When choosing a jewelry piece, make sure the gemstone's hue changes with the angle and light source. To guarantee quality, no inclusions should be visible to the naked eye.
As a leading online jewelry destination, Ocarat offers a carefully curated selection of tanzanite-set Jewelry. Whatever your taste, you'll find the piece that best complements your skin tone. When you shop Tanzanite Jewelry on Ocarat, our experts have already done the vetting - selecting only the finest pieces the market has to offer.
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