Tanzanite: The Gem of Twilight, Transformation, and Rarity

Tanzanite is a gemstone of extraordinary beauty and unmatched rarity, celebrated for its mesmerizing color shift between rich blue, deep violet, and flashes of burgundy. Discovered only in the late 20th century, tanzanite quickly captured the hearts of jewelers and collectors alike. With its enchanting hues and limited origin, tanzanite is considered one of the most exclusive gemstones in the world—a modern treasure born from ancient Earth.

A Gemstone of Magic and Rarity

Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, named by Tiffany & Co. in honor of its sole origin: the Merelani Hills at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. First discovered in 1967, tanzanite is a thousand times rarer than diamond, and no other location on Earth has produced gem-quality stones like it.

What makes tanzanite truly unique is its trichroism—the ability to display three distinct colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to enhance the dominant blue-violet tones, a stable and accepted practice in the gem industry.

Types of Tanzanite

Though all gem-quality tanzanite comes from a single source, its color intensity and quality vary:

• Top-Grade Tanzanite (AAA–AAAA): Deep, velvety blue with vivid violet flashes. Highly saturated and often reserved for fine jewelry.

• Medium Grade: Balanced blue and violet tones, ideal for lighter, ethereal designs.

• Fancy Tanzanite: Rare, untreated stones in hues like green, pink, or yellow, highly prized by collectors.

History: A Modern Marvel with Ancient Depth

Though newly discovered by geological standards, tanzanite carries a timeless mystique. The local Maasai people consider it a stone of spiritual awakening and new beginnings, traditionally gifting it to women after childbirth as a blessing of life and good fortune.

Tanzanite was launched globally by Tiffany & Co. in the 1960s, marketed as an “exotic alternative to sapphire.” It rapidly gained popularity and has since become a birthstone for December, symbolizing transformation, wisdom, and intuition.

WOW FACT!!

The largest faceted tanzanite ever recorded is the “Queen of Kilimanjaro,” a staggering 242-carat cushion-cut gem set in a diamond-encrusted tiara. Tanzanite’s rarity is intensified by the fact that its entire known deposit spans just 4 km², and experts estimate the source may be exhausted within this century—making existing stones future heirlooms.

Mohs Scale:

Tanzanite ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale—softer than sapphire, but still durable with proper care. It's best suited for pendants, earrings, and occasion rings, and should be worn mindfully to prevent scratching or abrasion.

Chemical Composition:

Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, with the formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). Its stunning color is primarily due to vanadium, with heat treatment enhancing the natural blue-violet tones and minimizing brown undertones.

How to Buy Tanzanite Jewelry

Color

The most prized tanzanites are deep violet-blue, often compared to sapphire but with more violet complexity. Stones with intense saturation and strong trichroism (color shift) are rare and highly valuable.

Cut

Cutting tanzanite requires precision to maximize color play. Common shapes include oval, cushion, trillion, and emerald cuts. Skilled lapidaries orient the stone to bring out the most vibrant hues from the crystal.

Clarity

Most tanzanites are eye-clean, with excellent transparency and few inclusions. High clarity adds to the brilliance and value of the stone, especially in larger sizes.

Character

Tanzanite is the gem of the twilight sky—mysterious, dynamic, and soul-stirring. Whether set in platinum, gold, or paired with diamonds, its shifting shades evoke emotion, elegance, and otherworldly charm.

Caring for Tanzanite

• Clean: Use lukewarm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush.

• Avoid: Ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Tanzanite can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes and impact.

• Store: Separately in a padded box or cloth pouch to avoid scratches from harder gemstones.