Tanzanite

Tanzanite gemstone

Tanzanites are truly unique gemstones that are mined from the only deposit in the world. The deposit is located in a mountainous area in northern Tanzania. Scientists have found out that the tanzanites were formed under completely unique conditions, virtually eliminating the possibility of forming similar stones in other parts of the world.

Tanzanites are considered to be quite rare stones, occurring 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. This information became the basis for the slogan that was used to promote and spread tanzanites on the jewelry market.

Properties

Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Tanzanite also has a vitreous luster, and it can exhibit pleochroism, which means that it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. This feature is what makes the play of tanzanite most attractive and memorable. Turning the stone, one can observe the change of the color palette with successive shades of bright blue, purple, and violet. Tanzanites that have a rich blue coloring are a lot more expensive than the purple ones.

Price

Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone, which makes it more valuable than many other gems. The price of Tanzanite can vary widely depending on the size, color, and quality of the gemstone. In general, Tanzanite can range from a few hundred dollars per carat for smaller, lower quality stones, to several thousand dollars per carat for larger, higher quality stones.

The territory of the only deposit of tanzanites in the world is very small. Experts from the TanzaniteOne stone-mining firm predict a complete depletion of the deposits in 15-20 years. Even now there is a steady decline in mining operations and a parallel rise in the price of stones.

History of Tanzanite

The first examples of tanzanites were discovered in 1967 by a Maasai herdsman who was tending his herd near Mount Kilimanjaro. At first, the violet-red stones were mistakenly thought to be sapphires, with their unusual coloring. When performing laboratory research, experts concluded that the crystals found are a new unique type of mineral called zoisite. The find of tanzanites was hailed as a gemological discovery of the century.

Information about the discovery of the newest type of jewelry minerals instantly got to Henry Platt, who was president of the jewelry manufacturer Tiffany & Co. It was he who came up with the idea of naming the stones after the country of their origin. The official presentation of the tanzanites took place in 1968. Henry Platt's speech proclaimed that the minerals he found were the most beautiful blue gems discovered in the last 2 millennia. A powerful advertising campaign soon followed, and the whole world learned about tanzanite. By the late '90s it had become one of the best selling and fastest growing colored gemstones in the world. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) officially recognized tanzanites as the birthstone for all newborn babies in December, and later became a symbol of the beginning of a new life.

Treatment Methods

Most Tanzanite on the market today is heat-treated to enhance its color and remove any brownish tones.

The most popular and already traditional coloring for tanzanites is blue-violet. Such coloring of tanzanite occurs after the low-temperature (450-600 degrees) treatment, and this method is generally accepted by the gemological community all over the world. Prior to heat treatment, tanzanites (zoisite mineral) usually have brown hues, which go away as a result of heat treatment. But there are rarer colors of unheated tanzanite: green, orange, yellow, and pink.

Mining Locations and Methods

Tanzanite is only found in one place in the world: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. The mining methods used to extract Tanzanite are labor-intensive and involve digging underground tunnels and using hand tools to extract the gemstones. Due to the difficult and dangerous nature of the mining, the Tanzanian government has imposed strict regulations on the mining and export of Tanzanite.

The territory of the only deposit of tanzanites in the world is very small. Experts from the TanzaniteOne stone-mining firm predict a complete depletion of the deposits in 15-20 years. Even now there is a steady decline in mining operations and a parallel rise in the price of stones.

Uses in Jewelry

New collections of tanzanite jewelry from the famous brands like Tiffany & Co., Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Louis Vuitton, have further increased the popularity of these beautiful stones. Designer models with tanzanites over 5 carats make a lasting impression. The color shimmers and the sparkle is especially beautiful with large stones. Your style will be ennobled by a classic pendant with an elongated chain mysteriously plunging into the depths of cleavage, or a shortened chain gracefully encircling the delicate neck.

A jewelry set consisting of a bracelet with calibrated tanzanite and earrings with stones of the same color scheme will be an original solution for everyday wear. The tanzanite jewelry will perfectly accentuate the graceful feminine look when paired with a luxurious outfit. Different models of earrings with tanzanite in a variety of colors from sapphire blue to delicate lavender shades will suit blondes, brunettes and redheads. The main thing is to correctly combine clothing and jewelry. The successful solutions can include the outfit of a catchy one-color dress, complemented by tanzanite earrings. Maintain your unique personality in the era of mass brands. Create your own style with bright, saturated clothing and equally bright jewelry.

Want to buy loose Tanzanite?

Our catalog offers a great selection of tanzanite samples, allowing you to compare prices and get an idea of the approximate cost of your desired purchase. Our expert gemologists will assist you in avoiding any price-related speculation and ensure you make the right choice.

Aside from our in-stock stones, we are pleased to offer custom orders that cater to your specific requirements and budget. Our team will handpick the best tanzanite for you.

Furthermore, we provide worldwide delivery for jewelry manufacturing services using this stone. Our full-service jewelry shops with branches located in Bangkok, Dubai, Moscow, Geneva, and Almaty are among the best in the industry.