Where is Tanzanite Found?
Few gemstones can claim a birthplace as specific as tanzanite. Discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, this mesmerising stone is found in a single mining area stretching just a few kilometres wide. That extreme rarity is part of what makes tanzanite so special, and so sought after.
Colour
Tanzanite is celebrated for its striking trichroic nature, meaning it displays different colours when viewed from different angles. Depending on the light and the direction you look, the stone shifts between deep blue, violet, and burgundy. The most prized specimens lean toward a rich, velvety blue-violet, a shade that looks equally stunning in candlelight and daylight.
Formation and Rarity
Tanzanite belongs to the mineral family zoisite and gets its vivid colour from trace amounts of vanadium. It forms under very specific geological conditions that exist in only one location in the world. Geologists estimate the odds of its formation there at around one in a million, making it genuinely rarer than diamonds. Some experts believe the current deposits could be exhausted within decades, which only adds to its allure as a collector's stone.
Hardness and Care
On the Mohs hardness scale, tanzanite sits at 6.5 to 7, making it a little softer than sapphire or ruby. It is best suited to pieces like earrings, pendants, and rings worn on special occasions rather than everyday jewellery. To keep it looking its best, clean tanzanite gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and store it away from harder gemstones that could scratch its surface.
A Modern Classic
Tanzanite was added to the official birthstone list in 2002 as a stone for December, joining turquoise and blue topaz. It also holds significance as a gift for a 24th wedding anniversary. Whether you are drawn to it for its rarity, its colour, or its story, tanzanite is a gemstone that genuinely earns its place in any collection.