Tanzanite Overview and Facts

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 and named for the only country which it is mined in, Tanzania Africa.

Tanzanite is part of the zoisite mineral family and is rarely natural blue. Natural Tanzanite comes in all colors most often golden to brown and in an array of greens and pinks as well. After some time, it was discovered that by heating the brown or golden variety of the stone to 600 degrees Celsius and gradually cooling it, the color could be permanently changed to the violet-blue color, therefore most tanzanite on the market are heat treated.

Tanzanite rates a 6.5 on the hardness scale. It is a relatively soft and brittle stone, nowhere near as hard as a sapphire or a diamond, so care must be taken when setting or cleaning them.

The color of the tanzanite is the most important factor in determining its price. Clarity and cut are important as well but as most tanzanite come eye clean or better, it is more rare to find a tanzanite with exceptional color and saturation, then to find just a clean tanzanite (which there are many).

Quick FACTS & BLOGS:

1) The name Tanzanite was coined by Tiffany co. who had first and exclusive rights to the gem for many years.

2) Tanzanite was added to the official birthstone list in 2002! It now represents DECEMBER as well.

3) Some say that when tanzanite was first found it was thought to be sapphire crystals.

4) The Biggest Tanzanite rough weighed in Over 3KG! that's 16,839cts!!!!

5) Tanzanite prices fluctuate more than any other gemstone currently.