About Tanzanite Stone
Oval cut Tanzanite gemstone
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Tanzanite Crystal
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Pear-cut Tanzanite gemstone
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The gemstones available in the market today are known and effectively used for hundreds of years, but Tanzanite stone on the other hand was not discovered until the 1960s for commercial use. The name Tanzanite was given to this gemstone because the only deposit of Tanzanite is located in northern Tanzania - near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This name was first given by Tiffany and Company to a mineral variety of zoisite with blue color. They promoted the stone internationally and due to its vivid colors, the potential for large cut stones, and high clarity, Tanzanite stone became one of the most desired gemstones. Since its discovery, Tanzanite has gained immense popularity as the most loved blue-colored gemstone after sapphire, and in 2002 it was termed as a birthstone for December.
Tanzanite Properties
Tanzanite Chemical Formula |
Ca2AI3(SiO4)3(OH) |
Tanzanite Hardness |
6.5 (Mohs Scale) |
Tanzanite Refractive Index |
1.69 - 1.7 |
Tanzanite Density |
3.10 - 3.38 |
Diaphaneity |
Translucent - Transparent |
Tanzanite Meaning
Tanzanite stone is a birthstone for people born in December and is also believed to be beneficial for Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius zodiac signs. Tanzanite gemstone is connected to the Throat Chakra, Crown Chakra, and the Third-Eye Chakra, therefore, it can bring balance to one’s life. The beautiful vivid blue-hued gemstone is a 24th-anniversary gemstone that brings truth, dignity, and wisdom.
Pleochroism and Trichroism in Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a type of gemstone that showcases the pleochroism effect. It is a physical property of the gemstone that allows the stone to reflect different colors when viewed from a different angle or direction. For instance, Tanzanite has a blue color tone when viewed from one direction and changes from violet to reddish color tone as the direction changes. Tanzanite is a trichroic gemstone that makes it very sensitive to light and therefore, it reflects three different colors when viewed from three different directions. The color change is due to the change in the light conditions under which the gemstone is viewed. When viewed under the white light, the Tanzanite gemstone appears to be of a blue shade as in this particular lighting condition it absorbs the colors with longer wavelengths, like red and orange. Under warmer light conditions, it reflects reddish and pinkish shades by absorbing the colors with shorter wavelengths, like blue.
Is Tanzanite a good Investment?
Tanzanite has a unique quality that makes Tanzanite gemstones and jewelry excellent investment options. Being one of the rarest gemstones, Tanzanite was formed by the eruption of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the magma combined with different chemicals and elements under high temperatures in the earth’s crust and created the mesmerizing Tanzanite stone. The chances of happening a similar event under the same conditions are highly unlikely, therefore, scientists believe that Tanzanite cannot be found in any other part of the world in the future. Its rarity and exclusivity help in gaining a great deal of profit when investing in the highest quality of Tanzanite. The demand and supply contribute to the Tanzanite value. Tanzanite is in high demand since it was first marketed by Tiffany and Co. in the late 1960s and till now it is immensely desired by many for its luxurious color however, the supply of Tanzanite is limited. It is strongly believed that if the demand remains the same then, unfortunately, the only source of Tanzanite will not last more than 10 years. This gigantic demand compared to its supply will surely increase Tanzanite stone prices in the future and thus, makes it a good source of investment.
Did You Know?
The largest Tanzanite ever mined was a 3.38 kg (16,839 carats) stone mined by TanzaniteOne in 2005 that has officially been listed in the Guinness book of world records.