Tanzanites: Meaning, History and Uses

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone, having a beautiful blue-violet hue. It is a variety of mineral zoisite and is used as a semiprecious stone. Tanzanites got their name from Tanzania, a country in Africa, where it was discovered. This rare stone is used in making various types of jewelry and is also associated with spirituality involving mental and physical healing. Let us explore the origin, history, uses and a few more interesting facts about this alluring gemstone.

The History of Tanzanites

Founded in the year 1967, the history of tanzanites is relatively new, compared to the other well-known gemstones. According to the most widely accepted story, some Masaai herders were raising livestock when they found a few blue stones in Merelani Hills near Arusha, Tanzania. They immediately informed Manuel d’Souza, a prospector, who initially thought that these were blue sapphires. These gems were then sent to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where gemologists identified them as a blue variety of the stone zoisite. 

Tiffany & Co. chose to become the main supplier of this blue stone upon recognizing its potential to compete with costly sapphire. To reflect the gemstone's place of origin, Tiffany & Co. adopted the term "tanzanite" rather than "blue zoisite," which sounds more or less like the word "suicide." Tiffany began marketing campaigns in 1968 to introduce this gemstone to the jewelry industry on a large scale. 

In the year 1971, the Tanzanian government brought the tanzanite mines under national control and divided them into four blocks in 1990. C block, the largest block, has been acquired by Tanzanite One Mining Ltd., the world’s largest tanzanite producer. The production rate of Block C’s tanzanite is estimated to be 2.7 million carats per year, which suggests that these deposits may deplete soon. 

Uses of Tanzanite

Considered as the December birthstone, the beautiful blue-violet tone and diverse properties of this unique gemstone have contributed to its usage in making jewelry or as healing stones. Here are some of the major uses of this blue gemstone.

1. Used in Making Jewelry 

   Tanzanites are commonly used in making different types of jewelry such as rings, pendants, bracelets, etc., due to their vibrant color and uniqueness.

   
   

   They can be cut into various shapes, such as round, pear, oval and cushion, to create different jewelry designs. 

   
   

   These gemstones can be paired with both casual and formal attire, as they offer different shade ranges from light bluish-violet to deep violet.

2. For Collecting and Investing

   
   

   A good-quality tanzanite has a high demand, which will cause its price to increase over time. This is why some people choose to invest in tanzanites. 

   
   

   They are a rare gemstone with a beautiful bluish hue, making them desirable among gemstone collectors. 

3. For Spiritual Purposes

   Tanzanites are believed to have many healing properties, such as strengthening intuitions, improving communication, balancing mind and body, and increasing overall vitality.

   
   

   Wearing a tanzanite is also considered to protect against any negative energy.

4. Used in Fashion and Accessories

   Apart from traditional jewelry, tanzanites are also utilized in making various types of fashion accessories.

   
   

   It is used in designer pieces such as earcuffs, brooches and hair accessories.

   
   

   Beads and other decorative elements made with tanzanites are also used as embellishments in various apparel. 

Final Thoughts

Tanzanites are a beautiful blue stone that has a high demand due to its rarity and uniqueness. If you're looking for high-quality tanzanite stone for sale, turn to gemstone suppliers such as GemsNY, a trusted manufacturer of fine jewelry. The GemsNY press has a lot of feedback on its quality craftsmanship and customer support.