Discovering Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone found exclusively in Tanzania. It's prized for its vibrant blue color, which can range from light to deep shades. Unlike many other gemstones, Tanzanite can also exhibit purple, violet, or green hues depending on the angle of light.One of its most unique characteristics is its pleochroism, meaning it appears to change color when viewed from different angles. This phenomenon adds to its allure and makes each Tanzanite stone truly one-of-a-kind.

In the early 1960s, a Maasai herdsman stumbled upon a peculiar blue stone while tending to his cattle near the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Intrigued by its unusual color, he brought the stone to a local geologist. To his astonishment, the geologist identified it as a previously unknown gemstone, later named Tanzanite after its country of origin.

Tiffany & Co.'s Marketing Genius :

The discovery of Tanzanite caught the attention of Tiffany & Co., a renowned jewelry company. Recognizing the stone's potential, they launched a promotional campaign in 1968, introducing Tanzanite to the world as a "gemstone of a generation." Tiffany's marketing efforts, coupled with the stone's stunning beauty and rarity, quickly propelled Tanzanite into the spotlight.

A Meteoric Rise to Fame

Tanzanite's popularity soared as word of its unique characteristics spread. Its vibrant blue color, combined with its pleochroism (the ability to appear in different colors depending on the angle of light), captivated jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. The limited availability of Tanzanite, as it is only found in a small area of Tanzania, further fueled its desirability and value.Within a short time, Tanzanite became a sought-after gemstone, appearing in high-end jewelry collections and adorning the necks of celebrities and royalty. Its rapid rise to fame was a testament to its exceptional beauty and the effective marketing campaign that introduced it to the world.

Tanzanite Properties and Colors
Physical Properties

• Hardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear.
• Clarity: Generally good, with occasional inclusions.
• Luster: Vitreous (glassy).
• Specific Gravity: 3.27-3.35.
• Crystal System: Orthorhombic.

Colors
One of Tanzanite's most captivating features is its wide range of colors. While it's most commonly known for its vibrant blue hue, Tanzanite can also exhibit other colors, including:

• Purple: A rich and regal purple shade, often with undertones of violet.
• Violet: A deep, intense violet color that can be striking and eye-catching.
• Green: A rarer green hue, often seen in certain Tanzanite stones, especially those with a higher iron content.

Factors Affecting Color

Several factors can influence the color of Tanzanite:

Trace Elements: The presence of trace elements, such as chromium and vanadium, can affect the color of Tanzanite. Chromium can impart a bluish or greenish tint, while vanadium can contribute to a purplish or violet hue.
Crystal Orientation: The orientation of the crystal lattice can affect the way light interacts with the stone, influencing its perceived color.
Cut and Faceting: The way a Tanzanite is cut and faceted can highlight or mask certain colors. For example, a certain cut may emphasize the blue hue, while another may bring out the purple or violet tones.
Lighting Conditions: The color of Tanzanite can appear different under different lighting conditions. Natural light, fluorescent light, and incandescent light can all affect the way the stone is perceived.
Due to these factors, Tanzanite can exhibit a wide range of colors, making each stone unique and special. This diversity is one of the reasons why Tanzanite has become so popular among jewelry enthusiasts and collectors.

While Tanzanite shares some similarities with other blue gemstones like sapphire and iolite, it has its own unique characteristics that set it apart.

UNHEATED TANZANITE :

Unheated tanzanite is a rare and exquisite gemstone that captivates collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Known for its striking blue-violet color, unheated tanzanite retains its natural beauty, showcasing vibrant hues that range from deep indigo to lighter lavender tones. Unlike treated stones, unheated tanzanite offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the gem in its purest form, making it a prized choice for those who value authenticity and rarity.

Tanzanite vs. Sapphire
Origin: Tanzanite is exclusively found in Tanzania, while sapphire can be found in various locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Australia.

Hardness: Sapphire is generally harder than Tanzanite, making it more durable for everyday wear.

Tanzanite vs. Iolite

Color: Both Tanzanite and iolite can exhibit a range of blue hues, but iolite is often described as having a "pleochroic blue," meaning it appears in different shades of blue depending on the angle of light.
Hardness: Iolite is generally softer than Tanzanite, making it more susceptible to scratches.
Origin: Iolite can be found in several locations, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, and the United States.
Unique Qualities of Tanzanite

Rarity: Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone, which contributes to its high value.
Pleochroism: Tanzanite exhibits pleochroism, meaning it can appear in different colors depending on the angle of light. This unique property adds to its allure.
Limited Availability: As Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania, its availability is limited, which can further drive up its price.
In conclusion, while Tanzanite shares some similarities with sapphire and iolite, its unique characteristics, including its rarity, pleochroism, and limited availability, make it a highly sought-after gemstone.


In summary Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone found exclusively in Tanzania. It is known for its vibrant blue color, which can also exhibit purple, violet, and green hues depending on the angle of light and the presence of trace elements. Tanzanite's unique pleochroism, where it appears to change color when viewed from different angles, is one of its most captivating features. The discovery of Tanzanite in the 1960s and the effective marketing campaign by Tiffany & Co. led to its meteoric rise in popularity, making it a sought-after gemstone among jewelry enthusiasts and collectors.