Tanzanite Gemstone

Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. The elusive blue gemstone is one of the more exotic variants that have entered the mix in the recent past, and owing to several distinct characteristics that are valued in the gemstone world, tanzanite has established a niche position for itself. In this Education post, we will break down their key features, the country and nature of their origin, and what sets them apart in the world of gemstones.

What Is Tanzanite?

To start with some geology, tanzanite is a mineral variant in the zoisite family (Ca2Al3). Which is one of the more interesting minerals in nature, that is found mainly in igneous and metamorphic and to some extent in sedimentary rocks. What is interesting is that zoisite comes in several hues ranging from shades of pink, green-red, and most notably blue variant, also known as blue zoisite which is the technical name for the tanzanite stone. What is interesting about the zoisite mineral, of which tanzanite is a key variant is that in nature it can combine with other mineral types, like corundum, which in turn gives its dual colours.

When it comes to the most notable type of zoisite is the tanzanite stone, which is the blue variant and is sourced from the country of origin from where it gets its name: Tanzania. Tanzanite stones are a relatively new entrant to the world of gemstones, whose discovery and commercial adoption started around the mind part of the 20th century (1967). What sets the gemstone apart is its luscious blue hue: which is one of the most sought-after colours in nature.

The idea of tanzanite being considered among the most premium gemstones in the world might strike the average reader, who has some interest in the world of gemstones as curious. As he/she would know that the top tier is dominated by the four main gemstones, which I will mention here. The colour, blue is held by a prominent stone. The ascent of tanzanite in the gemstone world has been a function of its rarity and beauty. In fact, according to certain mineralogical assessments, the supply of tanzanite gemstones is set to run out in the next few decades!

In What Locations Is Tanzanite Found?

One. Tanzania. The home to the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro which also happens to be the place where tanzanite is sourced, from the area around and within the great mountain, the mysterious tanzanite is mined.

The first discovery of the tanzanite stones goes back decades when a group of Maasi tribesmen stumbled upon an exotic stone with luminous blue hues near the Merelani hills just south of Mount Kilimanjaro. The discovery sparked a new interest in the stone and the area surrounding it, with the major gem and jewellery companies expressing interest, and the gem was soon named ‘Tanzanite’. The rich blue variant of the zoisite mineral is valued for the main reason that it is only, and this point cannot be emphasized enough, from this part of the world.

How Much Is Tanzanite Worth?

This is an interesting question, since tanzanite, despite its immense rarity is not the most expensive stone in the world. And it is not even among the most expensive. In fact variants of top gemstones like diamond and sapphires, when controlling for carat and cut, routinely outprice tanzanite stones. For example, 1-carat polished tanzanite could command a price in the 400 – 500 dollar range, but diamonds of the same quality (1 carat D – G colour range) would go up to a few thousand dollars. 

This is the dilemma that tanzanite gemstone buyers are faced with. A gemstone that is immensely rare, but commands a lower market value. For now. As noted, and will elaborate further, tanzanite supply is about to run out in a few decades, and the low (or potential collapse) of tanzanite supply could have a drastic impact in (a positive way) on tanzanite prices. So much so that Tanzanian authorities in the industry even position tanzanite stones as an investment opportunity. That its value will rise for current buyers.

For others, the value of the gemstone could be a subjective one. To own a rare gemstone, that is rich in colour, and that is sourced from the tallest, most mysterious mountain in Africa may hold a special place. 

Distinct Features of Tanzanite Gemstone’s Colour?

The distinguishing feature of the tanzanite is its rich blue colour, that upon closer inspection features a tinge of purple. And at one point it was referred to as blue-violet zoisite. This hues distinct blue that is found in a novel gemstone type, that until half a century ago was unheard of (though zoisite minerals have been around for a few hundreds of years), and combined with special rarity makes the colour that is found in the stone, in combination with its mineral character makes it a distinguished in the industry.

Tanzanite like other top-coloured gemstones on the market derives its colour from the presence of trace minerals. Notably minute amounts of vanadium and chromium give the gemstone its colour. The presence of both minerals at varying levels when it comes to the other key feature of the gemstone.

In addition to its rich colour, tanzanite features a special gemstone characteristic called pleochroism: which refers to a visual feature where the gemstone in question features two or more colours; colours that are visible in the same material when viewed from different directions. The pleochroism that is present in tanzanite is strong that the visible hues shift with the angle from which the stone is viewed. Or even vary based on the light source. The effect is prominent in that the gemstone may showcase blue, a slight shade of violet, or a slight tone of crimson. Sometimes all their hues together, thus sometimes making it a trichroic.

Tanzanite vs Blue Sapphire

If one thinks of a top blue gemstone, there is virtually no competition to the blue sapphire. So for potential gemstone buyers how does the tantalize stack up with the famous blue corundum stone? The simple answer is that it is complicated.

Tanzanite is not a direct competitor of blue sapphires. In addition to being far more abundant (though yet rare) sapphires come in a range of other colours, such as white, pink, purple etc. And sapphires have a longer history of use and are more widely recognized. Whilst tanzanite is still finding its way in the market. In addition to a short timeline in terms of their longevity. Whilst tanzanite might have the strength of rarity, they fall short in terms of durability, with sapphires suppressing them handily and tend to make a better fine jewellery choice.

How Rare is Tanzanite?

As noted, tanzanite is only sourced from one country in the world, and one place: the regions surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. Diamonds are among the rarest gemstones in the world, and sapphires are rarer than diamonds. But tantalizes are far rarer than sapphires: with only a few million carats sourced annually. The extreme rarity of the stone is what sets it apart. There are other blue gemstones in the world, in addition to these and sapphires.

What Is Tanzanite’s Meaning?

This is an interesting question. Since the meaning that is attached to the stone varies from region and belief. In the Vedic traditions, tanzanite as a blue stone could be seen to fall under the throat Chakra: which refers to the colour blue, which is connected with communication and the power to express oneself freely and clearly. When one speaks of the special meaning that is attached to the blue tanzanite stone, it is best to consider the African traditions. In Tanzanian traditions, the tanzanite is known as a stone with healing properties and is known to connect the person with a higher plane