Tanzanite

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Physical & Optical Properties

Mohs Hardness 6.5 – 7.0
Specific Gravity 3.35
Refractive Index 1.685 – 1.707
Crystal System Orthorhombic
Cleavage Perfect
Fracture Uneven
Color various
Birefringence 0.006
Dispersion 0.03
Pleochroism Violet/purple stones - strong trichroism: strong blue - purple - greenish (to brownish) yellow; Blue stones - strong: strong blue - purple - greenish-yellow

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7.0
1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

a b c Orthorhombic a ≠ b ≠ c, α = β = γ = 90°

Value & Market

Price Tier Moderate ($50-500/ct)

Cultural Significance

Birthstone Month 12 (modern)

Treatments

6.5 to 7Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references 3.35Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references BrittleMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) PerfectWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) UnevenWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) 1.685 to 1.707Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Biaxial/+Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 0.006 to 0.013Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Violet/purple stones - strong trichroism: strong blue - purple - greenish (to brownish) yellow; Blue stones - strong: strong blue - purple - greenish-yellowHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 0.030Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) YesUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) Sapphire blue, amethyst, violetWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references Blue, (heat treated), V4+ in octahedral coordination; with V3+ in octahedral coordination. Brown-violet, V3+ in octahedral coordination (treatment turns blue). Green, Cr3+ in octahedral coordination.W. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011) TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references InertHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Rare bluishHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) OrthorhombicHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Multifaced prisms, mostly striatedWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Tanzanite information at mindat.org Tanzania&nbsp; Malisa (2003) Malisa (2003) Malisa (2003) Malisa (2003) Malisa (2003) Malisa (2003)

About Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, displaying a remarkable trichroism that shifts through blue, violet, and burgundy as the stone is viewed from different angles, making it one of the most unique and visually mesmerizing gems. Found only in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, it was discovered in 1967 and popularized by Tiffany & Co., who coined its evocative name. Tanzanite is 1,000 times rarer than diamond, and its single source makes its long-term availability uncertain.

Jewelry Use

Durability 6/10

Science FYI Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, displaying a remarkable trichroism that shifts through blue, violet, and burgundy as the stone is viewed from different angles, making it one of the most unique and visually mesmerizing gems. Found only in a small mining area near Mount Ki
What is the hardness of Tanzanite?
Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is primarily Various.
Where is Tanzanite found?
Tanzanite is found in Merelani Hills (Tanzania).
How much does Tanzanite cost?
Tanzanite falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.

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