TANZANITE

Tanzanite & diamond three-stone ring

Variety:  Tanzanite
Species:  Zoisite
​​Mohs Hardness:  6 to 6.5 out of 10
Color:  Light to medium-dark bluish purple and violetish blue to violet.
RI:  1.691 to 1.700 (+/-0.005)
Birefringence:  0.008 to 0.013
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Optic Character:  Biaxial positive
Pleochroism:  Strong.  Usually strong blue, purplish red and greenish yellow.  Sometimes, strong blue, violet and colorless.
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic, but you might see bands at 595, 528 and 455nm.
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  3.35 (+0.10 / -0.25)
Routine Treatments:  Heating

SHOP TANZANITE JEWELRY

SHOP TANZANITE JEWELRY

Tanzanite Facts

Examining a loose tanzanite under a microscope

Tanzanite is a beautiful gem found in only 1 location on earth:  the Merelani hills of northern Tanzania.

Its color ranges from blue to violet, to purple.

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967, and was originally thought to be a sapphire deposit.

​Tiffany & Co. became interested in this new gem and made a deal to become its main distributor in 1968.

Fun Fact:  Tiffany & Co. is actually responsible for naming tanzanite after the country it was discovered in!

The Queen of Kilimanjaro is a famous white gold tiara featuring a 242-carat tanzanite accented by tsavorites and diamonds.
   
Tanzanite is a December birthstone and is the 24th wedding anniversary gemstone.

Tanzanite is commonly heated to improve or change its color.  Color origin for this gem is currently undeterminable.

Tanzanite tennis bracelet

Tanzanite Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)