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
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
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 | 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
Value & Market
Price Tier
Moderate ($50-500/ct)
Where to Buy Tanzanite
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Malisa (2003)
Malisa (2003)
Malisa (2003)
Malisa (2003)
Malisa (2003)
Malisa (2003)
About Tanzanite
A tanzanite é a variedade azul-violeta do mineral zoisite, exibindo um notável tricromismo que muda entre tons azuis, violetas e borgunhas conforme o ângulo de observação e a fonte de luz. Descoberta apenas em 1967, perto do Monte Kilimanjaro, na Tanzânia, é extraída exclusivamente nessa região, o que lhe confere um estatuto de raridade sem paralelo. A Tiffany & Co popularizou a sua designação e tornou-a uma das gemas mais procuradas do mercado mundial.
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tanzanite?
A tanzanite é a variedade azul-violeta do mineral zoisite, exibindo um notável tricromismo que muda entre tons azuis, violetas e borgunhas conforme o ângulo de observação e a fonte de luz. Descoberta apenas em 1967, perto do Monte Kilimanjaro, na Tanzânia, é extraída exclusivamente nessa região, o q
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.