Tanzanite: A Gem Filled with Uniqueness

The December birthstone, Tanzanite is a comparatively new member of the gemstone family. Since its find, this intensely saturated, perfect and brilliant gem has received great appreciation and rapid growth in popularity. Illuminating blue to violet-blue hues, this rock, pleochroic in nature, can challenge sapphire as the premier blue stone.

Tanzanite Stone

Tanzanite stone is admired for its dark, rich blue color. However, you might be surprised to learn that in its raw state, this crystal possesses an orange-brown color. This gem gets it famous bright blue tone after going through a proprietary heat treatment. You'll be amazed to know that when this gemstone was discovered, it was already blue! The pieces were exposed to a fire instigated by a lightning storm, receiving the color tanzanite is known for today.

So, let's get an understanding of the factors that contribute to tanzanite's value.

What is Tanzanite?

This rare stone has won over the hearts of jewelry lovers in a very short span of time. Named after its origin in Tanzania, tanzanite is, in fact, the trade name for the blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite. Tiffany & Co. selected it as it was felt the name "blue zoisite" sounded too similar to the phrase "blue suicide." Made available for commercial use in the 1960s, this blue treasure has come a long way in fame and eminence. Let's uncover the details behind this rare discovery:

• In 1967, this stone was discovered by accident on the Merelani hills in Northern Tanzania by a Masai tribesman.
• Even in the present day, Merelani is the only place to find these brilliant blue crystals. Tanzanite is a single-source gemstone.
• Manual D’Souza was the first person to identify this blue gem. At first glance, he mistook tanzanite for blue sapphire.
• In due course, Tiffany & Co. became the first merchant of tanzanite and presented this gem to the international jewelry market in 1968. Over the years, its status has greatly increased among gemologists, jewelry designers, and rare jewelry collectors.

What Makes Tanzanite Valuable?

Certain factors contribute to the rising value of this gemstone.

• Tanzanite is only mined one place in the entire world. The stone is estimated to be 1000 times more rare than diamond.

Tanzanite Jewelry

• The vibrant and dazzling blue hue of this gorgeous gemstone rivals the exceptional charm of a sapphire. Tanzanite stones with deeply saturated tone are the most treasured.
• A pleochroic quality makes this gem incredibly unique. It displays different hues when viewed from various angles.
• According to geologists, the world’s supply of tanzanite might be depleted within the next decade.
• Eye-catching tanzanite is the first gemstone to be incorporated in the list of modern birthstones, first established in 1912.
• While being the birthstone of December, this stone is also associated with the 24th wedding anniversary.
• While the exclusive origin of the stone contributes to the rising demand of tanzanite, the stone is often considered the most beautiful blue gemstone to be mined for the last 2000 years.

Other Varieties: Bondi Blue and Natural Green Tanzanite

The family of tanzanite was expanded with the beautiful entry of Bondi blue tanzanite and natural green tanzanite. Both gemstones possess unique allure and charisma that’s difficult to ignore!

Green Tanzanite Ring

Bondi Blue Tanzanite Ring

The mesmerizing sea-blue color of beautiful Bondi Beach in Australia is the origin of the name of Bondi blue tanzanite. The stone reflects the exotic chemistry of dark blue tones mixed with a vibrant green hue. Green tanzanite entered the commercial world over 20 years ago. No doubt its enticing green hue is on par with the finest chrome tourmaline. This variety is considered the rarest.

Properties: Adding to its Uniqueness

Designer Tanzanite Jewelry

Color: As a mineral, zoisite is available in an array of colors such as yellow, pink, gray, and violet. Tanzanite is the blue to violet variety and gets its vibrant hue from small traces of vanadium. From dark blue to purple and violet, it's easy to find tanzanite in every color in between. Heat treatment enhances the color while improving saturation of this tantalizing gem.

Pleochroic: It’s a pleochroic stone and can exhibit various colors when viewed from different angles.

Hardness: This gem ranks 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It makes this gemstone entirely appropriate choice for many jewelry styles. Due to its durability, this stone is a great option for daily wear.

A beautiful rival of blue sapphire praised for its rich, deep blue color saturation, brilliant sparkle, and exceptional appeal; tanzanite speaks to sophistication and elegance. It's the perfect time to grab this amazing gem and enrich your collection.

What are you waiting for? Act now!