The Gemstone Born of Lightning and Legends
Tanzanite is one of the most mesmerizing and modern discoveries in the gem world—a single-source treasure known for its electric violet-blue hue and intense brilliance. Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, this gemstone has captivated collectors, designers, and jewelers since its discovery in the late 1960s.
More rare than diamond and 1,000 times rarer than sapphire, Tanzanite offers a magical combination of elegance, vibrance, and exclusivity. Its color shifts between sapphire blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the angle and light—a property known as trichroism—and no other gem on Earth displays it quite like Tanzanite.
🔬 Scientific Profile
Tanzanite is the blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, with the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH). It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and forms in prismatic, vertically striated crystals. Tanzanite ranks between 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for fine jewelry with mindful wear.
Its refractive index ranges from 1.685 to 1.707, and it has a specific gravity between 3.10 and 3.38. Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, displaying three distinct colors—blue, violet, and burgundy—depending on the viewing angle.
Most Tanzanite is gently heat-treated to enhance the vivid blue-violet tones and reduce brownish or gray overtones. This treatment is stable, permanent, and widely accepted in the trade.
What makes Tanzanite truly extraordinary is its geographic exclusivity—it is found in just one narrow mining area near Merelani Hills, Tanzania, and nowhere else on Earth.
🔵 Color and Variety
Tanzanite is prized for its striking and dynamic color, which can range from rich sapphire blue to deep royal purple, with hints of violet or burgundy depending on the cut and lighting. The highest-quality stones show a vivid, saturated blue with purple flashes and minimal gray or brown undertones.
Smaller Tanzanites (under 2 carats) tend to be lighter in color, while larger stones often display the most intense and saturated hues. Stones over 5 carats with exceptional color and clarity are rare and highly valued.
Untreated Tanzanite with naturally vivid coloring is incredibly rare and sought after by collectors. However, the vast majority of gem-grade Tanzanite is heat-treated to bring out its best characteristics.
Trichroic gems like Tanzanite are skillfully oriented during cutting to maximize their most desirable color—in this case, usually the violetish-blue. But each stone offers a unique blend of tones depending on the light and angle, which makes Tanzanite feel alive and ever-changing.
📜 History and Symbolism
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 by a Maasai tribesman and quickly caught the attention of Tiffany & Co., who introduced it to the world in 1968 with the elegant name "Tanzanite"—honoring its sole country of origin.
The Maasai people consider Tanzanite a sacred stone. Traditionally, it is given to women after childbirth as a symbol of health, life, and spiritual strength. In Western culture, Tanzanite has become a symbol of transformation and elevated consciousness.
In metaphysical circles, Tanzanite is said to stimulate the third eye and crown chakras, enhancing intuition, creativity, and inner vision. It is considered a calming stone, often used in meditation and spiritual work.
Tanzanite was added as a modern birthstone for December in 2002 and is also given to celebrate the 24th wedding anniversary.
Due to its rarity, single-source origin, and growing demand, Tanzanite is considered one of the most promising investment gems of the modern age.
💎 Tanzanite in Jewelry
Tanzanite’s stunning color and optical properties make it a favorite for custom and fine jewelry. Whether set in platinum, white gold, or yellow gold, it delivers unmatched visual drama and sophistication.
Classic cuts such as oval, cushion, and emerald shapes are most popular for Tanzanite, but more modern fantasy cuts or elongated shapes also showcase its pleochroic fire beautifully.
Though not as hard as sapphire or ruby, Tanzanite is suitable for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants when set securely and treated with care. Designers often surround it with diamonds or white sapphires to amplify its vivid tones and add contrast.
High-quality Tanzanites over 3 carats with deep color and excellent clarity are considered collector-grade stones, and untreated or large stones above 10 carats are extremely rare.
✨ Discover Vivid Tanzanite at Chicago Gems & Jewelry
At Chicago Gems & Jewelry, we specialize in rare and extraordinary gems—including top-grade Tanzanite in a range of sizes and styles. Whether you're looking for a richly colored Tanzanite center stone, a statement pendant, or a breathtaking pair of earrings, each gem is hand-selected by our GIA graduate gemologist for superior color, clarity, and brilliance.
From elegant 2-carat stones to bold 10-carat showpieces, our Tanzanite collection reflects the finest nature has to offer. Each piece is available loose or custom-set in one of our expertly crafted designs.
Proudly family owned and operated since 2008, we serve discerning clients from our Crystal Lake showroom and beyond—providing gemstone expertise, personalized service, and honesty you can trust.
Chicago Gems & Jewelry – Where Knowledge Meets Beauty, and Every Stone Tells a Story.
