Tanzanite is a blue to violet variety of the zoïsite family discovered in Tanzania in 1967. It is often found as a transparent gem. Only available in one place on the planet, its rarity and characteristics make it an extremely prized gemstone. It fascinates for many reasons, and its changing reflections in natural light intrigue and seduce those who gaze upon it.
Tanzanite properties
- Type: Fine stone
- Color: Blue with violet highlights
- Hardness: 6 – 7 on the Mohs scale
- Density: 3.15 to 3.37
- Family: Zoïsite
- Birthstone: December
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius 1st and 2nd decans and Capricorn 1st decan
- Events: December birthdays and 24th wedding anniversary
History of tanzanite
The origins of the name
As its name suggests, tanzanite comes from Tanzania. In fact, this is the only country in the world where it is still mined. Tanzanite’s first scientific name was that of its geological family: Zoïsite. It was a great New York jeweller, Harry Platt, owner of Tiffany & Co. who renamed it Tanzanite, and this is the name commonly used today.
Tanzanite’s characteristics
All the more precious for its rarity, tanzanite belongs to the zoïsite family.
Nicknamed the gemstone of the 20th century due to its late discovery (1967), this mineral is highly prized for its blue, violet and burgundy-red sparkles, which appear depending on the angle at which they are viewed.
A quality tanzanite displays a blue color ranging from navy to sapphire blue, with purplish reflections sparkling around the stone. Considered perfect thanks to its high purity, it has no inclusions visible to the naked eye, further emphasizing the beauty of its colors.
Provenance and main deposit
Much rarer than diamonds, tanzanite is mined in only one place on earth. In fact, apart from a few specimens discovered in Pakistan, there is only one mined deposit. It lies atop the Merelani hills in Tanzania. Close to the famous Kilimanjaro, one of Africa’s highest peaks.
As this site belongs to Maasai territory, tanzanite is also sold mainly by this East African tribe. In fact, the Maasai hold 95% of the world market.
Produced in Tanzania, these fine stones are then generally cut in Jaipur, India. Your tanzanite jewel will therefore have made a fine journey before adorning your neck or hands.
Astrology and symbolism
A December birthstone, tanzanite is associated with Sagittarius in the 1st and 2nd decans and Capricorn in the 1st.
Its sky-like color also links it to the air signs Aquarius and Gemini. Among the Masai, tanzanite symbolizes blessing and is said to have the power to ensure health, wealth and longevity.
In fact, it is given to women who have just given birth to bless their baby’s future.
Virtues and benefits
A very rare gemstone, tanzanite has many virtues for body and mind. First and foremost, it stimulates the brain and improves the nervous system. It also has a regenerative effect on the body, helping to prevent sight and hearing problems. It also has soothing properties for the stomach and digestive system.
On a spiritual level, tanzanite, linked to the 3rd eye chakra, is a stone that enables you to elevate your spirit to better understand your deepest aspirations and awaken your feelings.
Highly beneficial for artists, it encourages imagination, creativity and memory, and enables us to give the best of ourselves. Clearing the mind of preconceived and negative ideas, this gem also promotes clairvoyance and wisdom.
Tanzanite legends and myths
The story of tanzanite’s discovery is a legend in itself. Living high in the Merelani hills, the Maasai had never seen the stone until the 1960s. At that time, a heavy thunderstorm broke out in the region, causing bushfires that sent the tribe fleeing. It wasn’t until they returned a few days later that some Maasai shepherds spotted blue stones glinting on the ground. Intrigued, they took them to an explorer who, no more advanced than they were on the nature of this mineral, passed them on to a gemologist.
The latter in turn sent them to New York, where they were discovered to be a new species of zoite. These mysterious stones quickly won over the great jeweller at Tiffany’s, who wasted no time in introducing them to the world under the name tanzanites, in honour of the country where they were discovered.
The most famous tanzanites
The most famous tanzanite is the Queen of Kilimanjaro. It weighs 242 carats and adorns a sublime tiara, accompanied by 803 tsavorites and 913 brilliant-cut diamonds, which is part of the private collection of Michael Scott, Apple’s first CEO.
Another famous tanzanite, “The Midnight Blue”, weighs 122 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.
The Queen of Kilimanjaro is the name of one of the world’s most famous cut tanzanites. It weighs 242 carats (approx. 50 g) and is set in a magnificent tiara. It is accompanied by 803 precious green garnets and 913 diamonds. The tiara is made of 18-carat gold and is currently in the private collection of Michael Scott, Apple’s first CEO.
The largest tanzanite found to date measures 22 cm high, 8 cm wide and 7 cm deep. It weighs 16,839 carats, or over 3 kg. It is called Mawenzi, named after the second-highest peak of Kilimanjaro.
Gift a tanzanite
Tanzanite is a gem usually given on the 24th wedding anniversary. Its rarity makes it an exceptional stone that can serve as a beautiful token of love. By giving your other half a tanzanite ring, you’re showing her that she’s unique in your eyes. Its blue color with slight violet nuances blends perfectly with silver or white gold, and is perfect for original, creative women.
