Tanzanite Gemstone Description
Tanzanite is a rare and exotic gemstone with a rich history and unique properties. Its deep blue-violet color is due to the presence of vanadium and titanium, which are responsible for its distinct hue.
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Editors and writers can use this compact card when they need a quick, sourced gem reference. It includes the practical facts that keep a stone from becoming just a pretty name.
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Color
Tanzanite’s color is characterized by a deep blue-violet tone, often described as a “blue-violet” or “violet-blue” color. The color intensity can vary from a pale blue-violet to a deep, rich blue-violet, depending on the quality and clarity of the stone.
Origin
Tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, specifically in the Merelani Hills of the Arusha Region. The gemstone was discovered in 1967, and it is believed to have formed as a result of the alteration of zoisite, a mineral that is rich in calcium, aluminum, and silicon.
Tanzanite is considered a relatively new gemstone, and its discovery has been the subject of much interest and speculation. According to legend, the gemstone was discovered by a local guide named Bedumile Mwamila, who stumbled upon a large deposit of the stone while searching for other minerals. Tanzanite is often associated with the “Blue Moon” phenomenon, which occurs when the moon appears blue due to atmospheric conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | CaZrSi3O9 (calcium zirconium silicate) |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6-7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.65-1.70 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.9-4.1 |
| Optical Properties | Birefringence: 0.015-0.020, Pleochroism: None, Optical Character: Vivid blue-violet color |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Fluorescence | None |
Value and Price Factors
The value and price of tanzanite are influenced by a range of factors, including:
- Color: The deeper the blue-violet color, the more valuable the stone.
- Clarity: The clearer the stone, the more valuable it is.
- Cut: The cut of the stone can affect its value, with well-cut stones being more valuable than poorly cut ones.
- Carat Weight: The larger the stone, the more valuable it is.
- Market Price Range: The market price range for tanzanite can vary depending on the quality and availability of the stone.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your tanzanite gemstone looking its best, follow these care and maintenance tips:
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean the stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Storage: Store the stone in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Handling: Handle the stone with care, avoiding drops and scratches.
Popular Usages
Tanzanite is often used in:
- Jewelry: Tanzanite is a popular choice for pendants, earrings, and rings.
- Common Cuts: The most common cuts for tanzanite are the oval, round, and square cuts.
- Other Usages: Tanzanite is also used in decorative objects, such as paperweights and bookends.
Buying Guide
To identify synthetic tanzanite, look for the following characteristics:
- Inclusions: Synthetic tanzanite often has inclusions that are not present in natural stones.
- Fluorescence: Synthetic tanzanite may fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
- Origin: Verify the origin of the stone to ensure it is from Tanzania.
More Ways To Compare Tanzanite
- Q: Is tanzanite a rare gemstone?
A: Yes, tanzanite is a rare gemstone, found only in Tanzania. - Q: How is tanzanite formed?
A: Tanzanite is formed as a result of the alteration of zoisite, a mineral that is rich in calcium, aluminum, and silicon. - Q: What is the difference between synthetic and natural tanzanite?
A: Synthetic tanzanite is created in a laboratory, while natural tanzanite is found in the earth.
Start With The Material
Tanzanite In Plain Gem Terms
Tanzanite is the blue to violet-blue variety of zoisite, known for strong color and treatment disclosure importance.
Short answer for gem lovers
Tanzanite should be evaluated by exact identity, natural or treated status, visible appearance, durability, and suitability for the jewelry or collecting purpose. Do not rely on a gemstone name alone; clear disclosure and realistic photos matter more than broad trade language.
What Matters In The Material
- Tanzanite listings should clearly state the material or variety being offered.
- Color, transparency, pattern, cut, and polish can affect appearance and value differently depending on the gem type.
- Treatment, dyeing, stabilization, filling, coating, or imitation material should be disclosed when relevant.
- Hardness and toughness affect whether a gemstone is suitable for everyday rings, occasional-wear jewelry, pendants, earrings, or collecting.
- Gems Jewelry may not currently list Tanzanite for sale, so treat this as practical education before you compare available natural colored gemstones.
Practical Inspection Notes
- If a listing uses only a romantic trade name, ask for the exact gemstone identity.
- If the price depends on rarity, untreated status, origin, or a special variety name, ask what evidence supports that claim.
- If the gemstone will be used in a ring, check durability and setting protection before choosing it.
- If treatment status is unknown, compare the price as an unknown-treatment stone rather than assuming the most valuable condition.
| Buying factor | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Names can be broad, old, or used differently in jewelry trade. | Confirm the gemstone, variety, or gem material. |
| Appearance | Color, pattern, transparency, and cut decide whether the stone looks good in real use. | Review clear photos and video where available. |
| Treatment | Treatment can affect value, care, and person expectations. | Look for plain disclosure such as heated, dyed, filled, stabilized, coated, or unknown. |
| Durability | Some gems are suitable for daily wear; others need protective settings or occasional wear. | Match the gemstone to the intended jewelry type. |
| Value | Price depends on quality, demand, size, documentation, and disclosure. | Compare similar stones instead of judging by name alone. |
What to check before buying Tanzanite
- Confirm the exact gemstone identity and variety name.
- Check whether the stone is natural, treated, synthetic, imitation, assembled, or unknown.
- Compare color and face-up appearance in normal lighting where possible.
- Look for visible inclusions, cracks, surface pits, coating, dye concentration, or unstable areas.
- Decide whether the gemstone is durable enough for the intended setting and wear frequency.
- Ask whether a lab report is useful for valuable, rare, or treatment-sensitive stones.