Stunning deep blues moving into shades of shimmering purples – behold the beautiful tanzanite gemstone. Popular among jewelry makers and collectors – this beautiful stone is famous for its vivid coloring and bright luminous shine.

It's predicted that tanzanite gemstones will be rare in the future. This is because there is only one place in the entire world where the stone's commercial quantity is found. Therefore, the stores are limited. Perhaps you're drawn to this enchanting jewel and want to possess one before it's too late? If so, read on and become acquainted with tanzanite gemstone.

What is Tanzanite Stone?

Tanzanite is a trichoic gemstone that reflects different colors. These colors range from light blues, lilacs, deep indigos, and violets. Discovered in the 1960s, the stone was named after Tanzania by the famous jewelry firm – Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co. further declared it to be the most beautiful stone ever discovered in the past 2000 years.

It was only in the 1960s that this startlingly blue crystal started to gain popularity. Soon, it was the second most sought-after blue gem after sapphire. Tanzanite gemstones were the most popular crystals in the years 1998 and 1999.

Be careful of simulants such as synthetic forsterite, synthetic yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), synthetic sapphire, and glass.

Where Tanzanite Stone Found?

Tanzanite stone is found in Tanzania – thus the name. This stone is mined in various blocks in Tanzania. These are located in an area of around 8 square miles in the Merelani Hills. Merelani hills are located near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the city of Arusha.

Each of these blocks is divided into thousands of small mines. These are owned by different miners who use different techniques to attain tanzanite gems.

The Tanzanian government has stopped exporting raw tanzanite stone over 5 carats in weight as they want to create craftsmen jobs in Tanzania itself. Otherwise, these raw stones are exported to India, Thailand, and China – the renowned cutting and polishing hubs. This is due to their sophisticated machines and high levels of hands-on experience.

Types of Tanzanite

There is a rumor that the best quality of tanzanite stone comes from 'Block D.' This is completely fabricated. There are 4 blocks – A, B, C, and D. Both high-grade and poor-quality Tanzanite can be found in all four of these blocks. Some sellers may try to trick you by saying that a tanzanite stone is from D block and, therefore, more valuable. In reality, there is no way to know which block that stone was mined from.

You get zoisite in yellow, pink, and green. While these are not called tanzanite stones, they are the same gems - just in different colors.

The 4 C's of Tanzanite

Color: Tanzanite refers to a variety of zoisite that specifically ranges from blue to bluish purple to bluish violet. Tanzanite stones are judged by the intensity of the color and the saturation of blue to violet. This saturation is considered the most important factor in grading tanzanite stone. The deeper the saturation, the more valuable the stone. AAA is the highest rating given to a heavily saturated and intensely blue tanzanite gemstone.

Tanzanite is a pleochroic gem that shows different colors when viewed from different vantage points. That quality makes it a trichroic crystal.

Clarity: Tanzanite crystals range from flawlessly clear to heavily included. The flawless gemstones are more valuable.

Cut: Tanzanite crystals can be cut into many faceted shapes. A well-proportioned cut that maximizes the stone's natural brilliance is desired. Tanzanite can be cut into rounds, ovals, trilliants, and cushions. You can choose from many other cuts, too. These include princess, marquise, emerald, heart, pear, and radiant. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, Tanzanite has a hardness of about 6.5.

Carat: One carat of Tanzanite is 100 points. It weighs 1/5^th of a gram. Two tanzanite stones that look identical can have different weights. As the stone's carat weight increases, so does its value.
The smaller stones are more commonly found. Stones over 50 carats are rare. The smaller ones are used in commercial jewelry. Investors, museums, and collectors collect large stones.

Treatment of Tanzanite Stone

Most tanzanite stones are black when they're mined. They are put under a heating process to turn permanently blue. This initial blue color is due to a mineral called vanadium.

When vanadium is heated to around 600 degrees Celsius for around 30 minutes – the vanadium is changed. This process is what improves the blue color. This heat treatment is much milder than what is done for rubies, sapphires, and other similar gemstones.

Most tanzanite gemstones sold in the market are blue due to heating. Very few raw tanzanite stones are originally blue. Those are much higher in value when compared to the heated ones. In case a vendor tries to sell you an 'unheated' tanzanite stone, get it tested.

Test the stone in an independent gemological laboratory. Please don't test it at a laboratory that the gemstone vendor controls.

How Do I Maintain My Tanzanite Stone?

Keep your tanzanite stone away from harsh chemicals, detergents, make-up, and bleach. Store them separately from your other stones. This is to avoid scratches. To keep it clean, use a very soft toothbrush and a warm, soapy mixture. Ensure it's a mild soap. Softly scrub the stone. Keep an eye on the detailing. Finally, use distilled water to rinse your stone. Dry it with a soft cloth.

Tanzanite stone uses

Tanzanite is a best-selling-colored gemstone in the jewelry market. It's fashioned into rings, necklaces, earrings, and pendants.

Tanzanite Stone Meaning and Healing Properties

• Wearing Tanzanite makes you more insightful, understanding, and sensitive towards others.
• It can make you confident and enhance your personality.
• This crystal can relieve you from depression and stress.
• It will give you more composure and grace. It helps you harmonize with yourself and your environment.
• Tanzanite turns negative energy into positive energy.

• Physically, Tanzanite alleviates skin disorders, clears the throat and lungs, and can help treat the ears and eyes' disorders.

• It boosts the immune system.

• Helps to speed up recovery after sickness.
• Detoxifies and regenerates cells.
• Tanzanite is also helpful in treating spinal problems.
• It helps fight reproductive diseases.

Tanzanite Metaphysical Properties and Chakra Connection

• Tanzanite is connected to the throat chakra, the third eye, and the crown chakra.
• This crystal stimulates our psychic abilities.
• It aids communication with higher spiritual dimensions.
• Wearing these crystals help you break out of your karmic cycle.
• Tanzanite helps you manifest your powers for the highest good.

Tanzanite Birthstone

Tanzanite stone was made the official birthstone for December. This was declared in 2002. It's most suited to Geminis, Librans, and Sagittarians.

Where Should You Buy a Tanzanite Stone?

You should buy tanzanite stones only from trustworthy sources. Ensure you find a store that has excellent reviewers from previous buyers. It's best if the store has a return or exchange policy, too.

You can choose GemsForJewels as your go-to for buying good quality tanzanite. We source our stones from the most authentic places. With various shapes and sizes, and a coating that doesn't peel or chip off easily, we offer one-of-a-kind stones for your jewelry and design needs! Request for more information today!