Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone that is only found in one place in the world: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. Its beautiful blue-purple hue and limited availability make it a highly sought-after gemstone. In this article, we will provide a basic guide to Tanzanite, including its properties, history, and uses.
Properties of Tanzanite:
Tanzanite is a form of the mineral zoisite, which was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. Tanzanite has several properties that make it a unique and desirable gemstone:
Color: The most distinctive characteristic of tanzanite is its blue-purple color. The color of tanzanite can range from a light lavender-blue to a deep, rich violet-blue.
Pleochroism: Tanzanite has a unique property called pleochroism, which means that it can appear different colors depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Tanzanite can appear blue from one angle and purple from another angle.
Hardness: Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is durable enough for everyday wear.
Rarity: Tanzanite is a rare gemstone that is only found in one location in the world. This limited availability makes tanzanite highly sought-after and valuable.
History of Tanzanite:
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 by a Masai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu. The discovery was made in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, which is the only place in the world where tanzanite is found. The gemstone was initially thought to be a form of sapphire, but it was later identified as a new mineral species called zoisite.
Tanzanite was first introduced to the world market in 1968 by Tiffany & Co., who named the gemstone after its country of origin. Since then, tanzanite has become a highly sought-after gemstone, prized for its unique color and rarity.
Uses of Tanzanite:
Tanzanite is primarily used in jewelry, particularly in rings, earrings, and pendants. Its unique blue-purple color and rarity make it a popular choice for special occasion jewelry, such as engagement rings and anniversary gifts.
Tanzanite is also sometimes used in decorative items, such as sculptures and vases. However, its use in these items is relatively rare due to its high value as a gemstone.
Benefits of Tanzanite:
There are several benefits to owning tanzanite:
Beauty: Tanzanite’s unique blue-purple color makes it a beautiful and distinctive gemstone.
Rarity: Tanzanite is a rare gemstone that is only found in one location in the world. This limited availability makes tanzanite highly sought-after and valuable.
Durability: Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is durable enough for everyday wear.
Investment: Tanzanite is a valuable gemstone that can hold its value over time, making it a potential investment.
Caring for Tanzanite:
Tanzanite is a durable gemstone, but it still requires proper care to maintain its beauty:
Cleaning: Tanzanite can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, as these can damage the gemstone.
Storage: Store tanzanite jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches and other damage.
