Tanzanite is a beautiful gemstone that displays deep blue-violet colors and is incredibly rare. Unlike almost all other gemstones, tanzanite has only recently entered the marketplace; however, its rarity does not mean it lacks an intriguing story behind it. The beauty, symbolism, and limited material availability of tanzanite have made it one of the most popular types of stones used in modern jewelry. 

In this guide to tanzanite, you will learn everything you need to know about tanzanite: the history, meaning of tanzanite, color of tanzanite, types of tanzanite, properties of tanzanite, many fascinating facts about tanzanite, and where to find tanzanite.

For those seeking high-quality tanzanite, GemstonesForSale offers a curated selection along with detailed information on grading, meaning, and properties.

History of Tanzanite

Discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills (northern Tanzania) near Mt. Kilimanjaro. Until then, the stone was NOT known to the public. The local miners discovered its vibrant blue-violet color, and this color attracted the attention of the gem industry around the globe.

The company Tiffany & Co. was the first to name this gemstone "tanzanite" in order to draw attention to its location in Tanzania. This was a very sound strategy that set the path for the gemstone's growth in being newly classified as a "classic" gemstone and introduction into the broader marketplace. This gemstone is valued for its beauty and rarity (it can only be found in this small geographic area).

What Tanzanite Means

Tanzanite does not just look attractive; it has great meaning as well. Its use as a transforming or transformative stone is an important aspect of tanzanite because it allows people to work through life’s challenges while also helping them to become more aware of themselves, their actions, and their thoughts, so they can make healthy choices going forward. As a calming stone, many people have claimed tanzanite has allowed them to achieve mental clarity and emotional stability. People also claim that tanzanite encourages the development of one’s intuition and spiritual awareness and provides an opportunity to connect with a person’s true self.

Tanzanite encourages empathy and helps develop open and honest lines of communication between individuals. Because of these qualities, tanzanite has a crucial role in gifting to someone special in your life. if are you interested in buy Tanzanite gemstone online you can explore GemstonesForSale now for get best price.

Tanzanite Color and Color Grading

Tanzanite has a unique quality called trichroism, meaning it looks different when viewed from different angles. Depending on the light and angle, tanzanite can be blue, violet, or burgundy.

The most expensive and rare tanzanites have a bright blue-violet tone, and in most cases, people heat treat their rough stones to eliminate any brownish hues.

Tanzanite Color Chart

A tanzanite color grading chart helps buyers figure out how deep and rich the color of the gem is, which helps them choose the most beautiful and valuable stones.

Types of Tanzanite

Tanzanite comes in three different types. People often use these stones in jewelry like rings, necklaces, earrings, and more. They are cut very precisely to make them shine more.

• Cabochon Stones: These are smooth/rounded stones that can be used to make an unusual piece of jewelry or a pendant and are often found in fashion pieces.

• Cabochon stones are smooth, round stones that are often used in fashion jewelry. You can use them to make a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or a pendant.

• Natural Treatment vs. Heat Treatment: Most tanzanites are heated to bring out their colors and make them shine more. It costs more to buy natural stones that haven't been heat-treated because they are rare.

Collectors and buyers can choose the type of stone that fits their tastes, budget, and planned use by knowing these groups.

Explore December Birthstones 2025 – The Expert Guide to Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon & Blue Topaz – Origins, Grades & Smart Buying to see how tanzanite compares with other December gems.

Properties of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a softer stone with a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. This means that you can use it for a lot of different kinds of jewelry, but you have to be careful not to break or scratch it when you use it.

Tanzanite has other important properties, such as:

• Name of the mineral: Zoisite
• Chemical formula: Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
• Color: It can be blue or violet-blue, depending on the light source.
• Clarity: Usually clear (meaning there aren't many visible inclusions)
• Refractive Index: About 1.69 to 1.70

Some people also think that tanzanite can help with emotional healing, boost creativity, and help with spiritual growth. Because of its physical and metaphysical properties, tanzanite is a very popular gemstone.

Interesting Facts About Tanzanite

The gemstone tanzanite has a host of surprises, a distinctive discovery, rare color(s), and its singular place of origin. The story behind tanzanite is just as interesting as the deep blue-violet colors that make it beautiful. Here are some facts that add to the uniqueness of tanzanite:

• Tanzanite can only be found at one location on Earth—the Merelani Hills, located in northern Tanzania.

• Tanzanite is estimated to be approximately 1000 times rarer than diamonds due to its exclusive location.

• Most "rough" tanzanite stones are brown or red, and most stones undergo heat treatment to develop the vibrant blue-violet hues.

• Tanzanite is the December birthstone and a very popular choice for couples celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary.

• During the 1960s, tanzanite became very popular quickly once introduced to the global market.

These unique qualities and facts make tanzanite not only valuable but also incredibly unique when compared to other gemstones.

Where to Find Tanzanite

Only the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania produce tanzanite. The limited geographical source contributes to tanzanite’s rarity and high value. Because every high-quality specimen can be considered a collector's item, the mining process is very labor-intensive; therefore, buyers should be cautious about the ethical sourcing when purchasing tanzanite jewelry or loose stones.

Caring for Your Tanzanite

To maintain the beauty and longevity of tanzanite, follow these tips:

• Do not mix them with abrasive cleaners or expose them to rapid temperature fluctuations.
• Use a gentle soap and warm water for cleaning
• Store it separately from harder stones to avoid scratches.

With correct care, your tanzanite jewelry can be passed down for many generations while still maintaining its brilliance.

Final Thoughts

Tanzanite has become popular with many people since it was found in Tanzania by accident. This is because it is very rare and has a unique beauty, spiritual significance, and location. Many people around the world love the deep royal blue color of tanzanite.

If you want to learn more about these interesting stones, GemstonesForSale will be happy to sell you high-quality ones and write articles about their meanings and histories.

FAQ

1. What is tanzanite?

Only in Tanzania can you find the blue-violet mineral zoisite, which is called tanzanite.

2. What does tanzanite mean?

It stands for change, growth in the spirit, intuition, and emotional balance.

3. How rare is tanzanite?

Very rare; only found in one place in the world, which makes it much rarer than diamonds.

4. What colors can you find tanzanite in?

Tanzanite can be a deep blue-violet or a lighter blue-violet, and it often shows different colors depending on the angle you look at it from.

5. How should you care for tanzanite jewelry? 

Don't use harsh chemicals or scratch them. Instead, wash them with warm water and mild soap, and keep them away from harder stones.

6. Is tanzanite treated with heat?
Yes, most tanzanite is heated to make its bright blue-violet color even better.