Birthstone Spotlight: Tanzanite

December is one of the few months that has multiple birthstones. The birthstones for December are tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Today, we will learn about tanzanite!

What is Tanzanite?

Discovered during the 20th century, tanzanite is relatively new to the world of gemstones. Tanzanite is a bluish-violet or violet-blue variety of zoisite and is only found in one place on earth -- Tanzania! 

Tanzanite displays pleochroism, which means that it displays different colors from different directions. Most tanzanite gemstones are heat-treated to achieve the bright blue or violet colors found in fine tanzanite. 

The History of Tanzanite

Tanzanite was initially found in the 1960s in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. At first, miners hoped that they had stumbled upon abundant sapphire deposits. Later, they realized they had discovered a gemstone new to the market. Tiffany & Co. became tanzanite’s leading distributor, launching a marketing campaign that quickly skyrocketed the gemstone’s popularity. Tanzanite remains a unique and highly treasured gemstone today.

Quality Factors

The highest quality tanzanite gemstone can resemble high-quality sapphires with their violetish blue color. The most sought-after tanzanite are those with the deepest color saturation. However, lighter-colored tanzanite has a unique look and is still highly prized.  

How to Care For Tanzanite Jewelry

Tanzanite should be treated with care, although it is resistant to regular temperature changes and the most common chemicals. However, sudden, drastic temperature changes can crack tanzanite gemstones. Tanzanite can also abrade easily, so it should be worn with care. If set in a ring, most jewelers do not recommend that tanzanite is worn daily. Tanzanite set in pendants or earrings can be worn daily. 

It is best to clean tanzanite jewelry with warm, soapy water and to avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners. 

Interesting Facts About Tanzanite

• Tanzanite is a birthstone for December and the gemstone of the 24th wedding anniversary.
• Tanzanite rates as a 6 to 7 on Moh’s scale of hardness
• With a single country of origin, Tanzanite is rarer than diamond.
• Tanzanite will appear bluer in daylight and more violet in warmer lighting.
• Some people believe that tanzanite is an excellent investment because it is only found in one small area.
• In 2020, miners found the two largest tanzanites ever discovered. The gemstones were 11.3lbs and 20.4lbs. The owner of the mining company sold the gemstones to the government for the equivalent of $3.3 million!