The History of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone that is found in only one area of the world, the African state of Tanzania. The stone is a beautiful blue color with a hint of purple and can range in depth of color from light to dark. It comes in many shapes, sizes, styles and price ranges.

History

Tanzanite was found in Tanzania in 1967 near the city of Arusha. It is a variety of zoisite, a mineral. At first sight, tanzanite is a reddish-brown, reddish-yellow or greenish color. Only after being heated to a temperature of 600 degrees C in a gemological oven does the stone become its brilliant blue purple color. According to the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICGA), the first tanzanites were offered to the famous New York jewelry company Tiffany. Originally called blue zoisite, Tiffany changed the name of the gemstone to tanzanite to honor its origin and to give it a more appealing name.

Geography

Tanzanite is mined in only one very small area in the world. It's an area located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Merelani, about 5 square miles in size and approximately 10 miles from the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, an Eastern African state.

Features

Because of its growing popularity, tanzanite was named a birthstone for the month of December by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) in October of 2002 in addition to zircon and turquoise.

Types

Tanzanite comes in all different shapes, styles and sizes. It can be found in the brilliant round cut as well as in specialty cuts made by jewelry designers. You can find tanzanite as small as diamond chips to as large as over 10 carats. Earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants can all be found containing the tanzanite gemstone. The price you will pay depends on the quality and size of the stone.

Warning

Because tanzanite is not a particularly hard stone, you have to be very careful about how it is cleaned. Also, do not let the stone come into contact with any acids. Doing so could damage the gem.

References

• Tanzanite
• Tanzanite

Resources

• International Colored Gemstone Association