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 tennis bracelet

Tanzanite Gallery

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