What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite, a gemstone prized for its rich color and changing reflections. Depending on the angle from which it is viewed, it can reveal different shades of blue, violet, and purple, an optical phenomenon called pleochroism.
Where does tanzanite come from?
Unlike many gemstones known since antiquity, tanzanite is relatively recent in the history of jewelry. It comes from the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, where its main source was identified in 1967. Its name directly references its country of origin. This very localized provenance makes natural tanzanite particularly distinctive, as it is only commercially mined in this region of the world.
How to evaluate the quality of a tanzanite?
As with many colored gemstones, several characteristics must be considered together to appreciate the quality of a tanzanite.
- Color: Tanzanites with intense, well-saturated blue to violet-blue colors are generally the most sought after. Lighter stones are more common, and their color may appear more subdued.
- Clarity: Tanzanites used in jewelry often have few inclusions visible to the naked eye. Significant inclusions or fractures can reduce the stone's value and, in some cases, affect its durability.
- Cut: The quality of the cut influences both the brilliance and the perceived color. Due to tanzanite's pleochroism, the orientation chosen by the lapidary plays a particularly important role in the final appearance. Oval and cushion cuts are among the most common.
- Carat Weight: Tanzanite is available in a wide range of weights. Larger stones often exhibit a deeper, more saturated color, while smaller ones may display lighter hues.
Is tanzanite suitable for an engagement ring?
Tanzanite has a hardness of approximately 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is therefore more susceptible to scratches and impacts than a diamond, ruby, or sapphire. It can be used for an engagement ring, but the choice of setting and the wearer's habits become particularly important.
For a tanzanite ring, a protective setting, such as a bezel setting or a setting that well protects the sides of the stone, can reduce its exposure to impacts. However, for a very active person or someone who wishes to wear their ring daily without special precautions, a harder stone may be more suitable.
Our jewellers' opinion
What we particularly like about tanzanite is that it never reveals a single color. Its shift from blue to purple gives a lot of depth to a piece of jewelry and allows for very different combinations with the choice of metal. For those who love its nuances but prefer easy-to-wear jewelry, a pendant or earrings allow you to enjoy all the beauty of tanzanite while better protecting it from the small bumps of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tanzanite
Yes. Tanzanite is a natural variety of zoisite from Tanzania. Most of the stones sold are heated to bring out their blue and violet hues, as the stone naturally has more brownish tones.
Yes. Tanzanite is one of the birthstones associated with the month of December, along with topaz and turquoise.
It is possible, but with certain precautions. As tanzanite is more susceptible to scratches and impacts, a protective setting is recommended, and the ring should be removed during manual or sports activities.