Tanzanite

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Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, distinguished by a pronounced trichroism that shifts through blue, violet, and burgundy as the stone is turned—one of the most visually mesmerizing effects in the gem world. It is found only in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, was discovered in 1967, and was named and popularized by Tiffany & Co. Estimated to be a thousand times rarer than diamond, tanzanite draws lasting demand, though its single source makes long-term supply uncertain. A Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 calls for protective settings, and the stone serves as a December birthstone.

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

1 Talc 2 Gypsum 3 Calcite 4 Fluorite 5 Apatite 6 Orthoclase 7 Quartz 8 Topaz 9 Corundum 10 Diamond Tanzanite
Mohs hardness of Tanzanite shown against the ten reference minerals, from talc (1) to diamond (10).
Mohs Reference mineral Tanzanite
1 Talc
2 Gypsum
3 Calcite
4 Fluorite
5 Apatite
6 Orthoclase
7 Quartz
8 Topaz
9 Corundum
10 Diamond

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

タンザナイトはゾイサイトの青紫色変種で、見る角度や光源によって青・紫・バーガンディと劇的に変化する際立った三色性を示す唯一の宝石です。1967年にタンザニアのキリマンジャロ山麓の単一産地で発見されて以来、その希少性と美しさから宝石界の寵児となりました。加熱処理によって青みを強めた石が最も珍重され、現在ではダイヤモンドに次いで2番目に人気のある宝石とも言われています。

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tanzanite?
タンザナイトはゾイサイトの青紫色変種で、見る角度や光源によって青・紫・バーガンディと劇的に変化する際立った三色性を示す唯一の宝石です。1967年にタンザニアのキリマンジャロ山麓の単一産地で発見されて以来、その希少性と美しさから宝石界の寵児となりました。加熱処理によって青みを強めた石が最も珍重され、現在ではダイヤモンドに次いで2番目に人気のある宝石とも言われています。
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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