Tanzanite: The Elegant Blue-to-Violet-Hued December Birthstone

Tanzanite, with its stunning blue and violet hues, is a gemstone that radiates elegance, beauty and luxury. It’s one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, and for a good reason. Its unique color and special qualities make it stand out from other gemstones, making it an ideal choice for jewelry.

The colors of tanzanite are enchanting, ranging from deep blue to violet-blue and even reddish-purple. This remarkable coloration is due to its trichroic nature, which means that it reflects three different colors, depending on the angle of light. Its vibrant colors make it an ideal choice for statement jewelry pieces, and it’s often paired with diamonds and other gemstones to create a magnificent display of sparkle and brilliance.

Tanzanite is also unique in that it’s only found in one location on Earth, making it incredibly rare. It was first discovered in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. The gemstone’s scarcity and limited availability make it highly coveted by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.

The formation of tanzanite is a fascinating process that takes millions of years. It’s a type of mineral called zoisite, which is formed when aluminum-rich rocks undergo metamorphism. The metamorphic process results in the formation of crystals that are rich in vanadium, which gives tanzanite its blue and violet hues. It’s a remarkable gemstone that takes over a million years to form, making it incredibly rare.

Tanzanite is composed of calcium aluminum silicate, with the chemical formula Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH). It has a unique crystal structure that is orthorhombic, meaning that it has three unequal axes at right angles to each other. This unique crystal structure gives tanzanite its exceptional hardness, which is rated 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It makes it durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear, making it ideal for jewelry.

The discovery of tanzanite is an exciting story. In 1967, a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu discovered some blue crystals near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. The crystals were later identified as tanzanite, and this discovery led to a new gemstone that would soon take the world by storm.

Today, tanzanite can still be found in Tanzania, although the availability is limited. The Tanzanian government has regulated the mining and sale of tanzanite to protect the gemstone’s value and ensure that the local community benefits from its trade. Tanzania is the only place in the world where tanzanite is mined, making it even more exclusive and highly valued.

Tanzanite has special meanings and is said to possess many healing properties. It’s believed to enhance intuition, clarity of thought and spiritual awareness. Tanzanite is also said to aid in the treatment of various ailments such as skin diseases, digestive problems and stress-related disorders. In folklore and legends, it’s believed that tanzanite has the power to bring good luck and prosperity to its wearer. Tanzanite is also one of the birthstones for December and a gift to commemorate the 24th wedding anniversary.

There are several famous tanzanite stones, including the Queen of Kilimanjaro, a 242-carat tanzanite. The famous tanzanite sits at the center of a tiara that resemble a resplendent hooded King Cobra adorned with 803 tsavorite garnets and 913 diamonds. It’s a magnificent piece of jewelry that embodies the beauty and rarity of tanzanite.

Tanzanite is often cut into a variety of shapes, including oval, round, cushion, pear and emerald. It’s available in a range of carat weights and is typically set in gold, platinum or silver to create a stunning piece of jewelry. The typical carat weight for tanzanite ranges from one to five carats, but larger stones can also be found.

If you're looking for tanzanite, you can find it in high-end jewelry stores and online retailers that specialize in gemstones and fine jewelry. It’s essential to buy from reputable sources to ensure that you get a genuine tanzanite of high quality.

In conclusion, tanzanite is a rare and radiant gemstone that’s highly prized for its stunning blue and violet hues, unique qualities and exceptional rarity. Its beauty and rarity make it an ideal choice for high-end jewelry, and its unique coloration and crystal structure make it a fascinating gemstone to study and appreciate. Tanzanite is a gemstone that has captured the hearts of many, and its legacy will undoubtedly continue to shine for generations to come.