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Tanzanites: A Rare and Stunning Gemstone

  • Writer: Stulls Steven
    Stulls Steven
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read
Tanzanite Jewelry

Tanzanites, one of the rarest and the most captivating gemstones, have captured the hearts of many, including celebrities and royals. These translucent bluish violet stones were discovered only in the late 1960s and have made it a standout in the world of fine jewelry. Let's delve into the allure of these stunning gems and understand why they are becoming a favorite among all.

Fascinating Discovery of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a relatively new addition to the world of gemstones, discovered only in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Legends believe that Maasai herders came across the vivid blue crystals after a lightning storm swept through the region. Mistaking them for a new type of sapphire due, they brought the stones to Portuguese prospector Manuel D’Souza.

He later presented gems to Tiffany & Co, the renowned New York jeweler who immediately realized their potential as a rival to sapphire. Initially, the gem was referred to as "blue zoisite," after its mineral family. However, the name "blue zoisite" was both unappealing and sounded too similar to "suicide," which could hinder its market appeal. To better reflect the gem’s unique origin and boost its marketability, the company rebranded the gem  as "tanzanite," in honor of its exclusive source in Tanzania.

Uniqueness of Tanzanites

Tanzanite is a “one-of-a-kind” gem that only comes from one tiny place on the planet. Following unique factors make it more special.

  • Rarity: Tanzanite is mined exclusively near Mount Kilimanjaro, making it one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Experts believe that its stone deposits could be depleted within our lifetime, adding to its charm and value.

  • Color: Tanzanite exhibits deep blue with flashes of violet, unlike any other gemstone. The color intensity often aligns with the gem’s value, with deeper blues typically being more valuable.

Tanzanite

  • Pleochroism: Tanzanite also displays different colors based on the viewing angle, giving it a dynamic and shifting appearance. This gives each gemstone a lively, ever-changing appearance as it shifts in hue with movement and lighting.

  • Formation: The gemstone is a variety of the mineral zoisite, colored by trace amounts of vanadium. Most tanzanite on the market is heat-treated to enhance its signature blue-violet color.

  • Hardness: With a ranking 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, tanzanite is suitable for earrings, pendants and occasional-wear rings, but less ideal for daily-wear rings due to its relative softness.

How To Determine Quality of Tanzanite

  • Color:  The most prized tanzanites are bright, velvety blue colors with vibrant flashes of violet, often graded as AAA, the highest quality tier. These exceptional stones are celebrated for their deep saturation and intense brilliance. By contrast, lower-grade exhibit lighter or less saturated hues, sometimes appearing more lavender or grayish-blue.

If you are also looking for the highest quality gems, find the finest AAA tanzanite gemstones for sale at GemsNY, where elegance meets affordability.

  • Clarity: Top-quality tanzanite is typically eye-clean, with minimal inclusions visible to the naked eye.

  • Cut: A well-cut tanzanite improves its pleochroic properties, allowing it to display maximum color from multiple angles. The better the facets reflect light and the brighter they shine, the higher the cut quality.

  • Carat: Larger stones are rarer and, thus, more valuable. However, a larger stone with poor color or clarity may not be as valuable as a smaller stone with exceptional color and clarity.

Uses of Tanzanites

  • Jewelry: People love to wear tanzanite jewelry in rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The beautiful colors of the gemstone make it perfect for special occasions, like weddings or anniversaries.

Tanzanite Jewelry

  • Versatility: Tanzanite's hues allow it to complement various fashion styles, from classic to contemporary.

  • Birthstone: In 2002, tanzanite was officially recognized as a December birthstone, joining turquoise and zircon. It’s also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary. Tanzanite’s rarity and sparkling charm make it an extraordinary gift, often associated with new beginnings, success and transformation.

For such exquisite uses of gemstones, explore the exclusive collection of tanzanite stone for sale at GemsNY, featuring superior quality and stunning jewelry designs.

Benefits of Tanzanite Stone

Some of the gemstone’s main advantages are:

1. Positivity Energy

The tanzanite stones transform an unfavorable outlook into a positive one and also alleviates anxiety and despair.

2. Increases Self-confidence

It is believed that tanzanite improves your clarity of thought and concentration. If you are having trouble focusing or are lacking in confidence, wearing this gemstone might assist.

3. Abundance Of Luck

The wearer of this stone gets a tranquil existence and draws luck into their lives. It enhances people’s life with success and riches. 

4. Improves Financial Situation

The one who wears tanzanite generates excellent fortune through several channels in both their personal and professional lives. The throat chakra and third eye chakra are linked to this gem.  If you carry it in your wallet, it also helps you regulate your spending and facilitates money saving.

To embrace such benefits of tanzanite gems, shop for these spectacular stones at GemsNY, where you will find an exceptional collection featuring the finest gems NYC has to offer.

Buying Tips

  • Always buy certified stones- If you're wondering where to buy loose gemstones or jewelry with certified authenticity, trust GemsNY. It offers genuine certificates with every order and a reputation for quality and reliability.

  • Consider the stone’s color, clarity, cut and carat weight to ensure you’re getting the best value

  • Pairing With Metals- Silver and platinum settings enhance tanzanite’s cool blue-violet tones, while rose gold brings out its subtle warmth, creating a striking and elegant contrast.

Caring Tips for Tanzanite

While tanzanite is a fantastic gemstone, it is also relatively soft. Here’s how to care for it:

  • Avoid Hard Knocks: Tanzanite can be scratched or chipped more easily than harder stones like diamonds or sapphires. It should be protected from hard knocks and harsh chemicals

  • Gentle Cleaning: Clean tanzanite with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals,  ultrasonic and steam cleaners, as the heat can damage the stone.

  • Proper Storage: When not wearing, store tanzanite jewelry in a padded box or soft cloth bag to protect it from scratches.

Final Insights

Tanzanite’s allure transcends its outstanding colors, it’s a rare gemstone with a story and  unique origin making it a timeless and unforgettable addition to any collection. So, if you’re looking for a gemstone that’s not only beautiful but also rare and meaningful, tanzanite might just be the perfect choice.

Purchase high-quality tanzanites at www.gemsny.com and browse through trusted GemsNY reviews for added confidence.


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