Introduction to Tanzanite Gemstone
Tanzanite gemstone is a rare, captivating, and highly sought-after gemstone, revered for its unique blue-violet color and mesmerizing pleochroic properties. Discovered in the 1960s, Tanzanite has rapidly gained popularity and is now one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. It was added to the list of birthstones for December in 2002, sharing the month with turquoise and zircon.
In this complete guide, we will explore Tanzanite’s origins, properties, benefits, and how to best use and care for this precious gemstone.
The Discovery and History of Tanzanite
How Was Tanzanite Discovered?
Tanzanite was discovered relatively recently in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Northern Tanzania. According to local legend, the gemstone was first found after a wild bushfire swept through the region, turning dull brown stones into striking blue-violet gems due to the intense heat.
Tiffany & Co.’s Role in Popularizing Tanzanite
Shortly after its discovery, Tiffany & Co., the renowned American jewelry retailer, became the main promoter of Tanzanite. The name “Tanzanite” was given by Tiffany to highlight its unique origin in Tanzania, making it one of the most successful gemstone branding stories.
What Makes Tanzanite Unique?
Pleochroism: The Changing Colors of Tanzanite
One of the most fascinating features of Tanzanite is its pleochroic nature. This means that the gemstone exhibits different colors depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
- Under natural daylight: Tanzanite appears blue.
- Under artificial or indoor lighting: It shifts to show a combination of purple, violet, red, and yellow hues.
This color-changing property makes Tanzanite a gemstone of stunning complexity, appealing to collectors and jewelers alike.
Rare Origin: Found Only in Tanzania
Tanzanite is found in only one place in the world: Merelani Hills, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its extreme rarity has led to a consistent increase in its value, as mining efforts continue in a limited area. As a result, Tanzanite is often referred to as “a thousand times rarer than diamonds.”
Tanzanite Gemstone Properties
Composition and Structure
Tanzanite belongs to the silicate family and is a variety of zoisite, which is composed of calcium aluminum silicate. The gemstone’s unique blue-violet color is caused by trace amounts of vanadium. When exposed to heat, Tanzanite’s pleochroic properties intensify.
- Chemical Formula: Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Hardness: Tanzanite on the Mohs Scale
Tanzanite ranks 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it moderately durable for everyday wear. However, it is more prone to scratches and abrasions than harder gemstones like sapphire or diamond.
Enhancements and Treatments
Most Tanzanite available on the market undergoes heat treatment to enhance its color. Heat-treated Tanzanite shows a more vibrant blue-violet hue. This treatment is standard and widely accepted in the gemstone industry, but untreated Tanzanite is considered highly rare and valuable.
The Metaphysical Properties of Tanzanite
Tanzanite’s Spiritual and Healing Powers
Tanzanite is known for its powerful metaphysical properties and is often used in spiritual healing and energy work. Some of the key metaphysical benefits include:
Enhancing Psychic Abilities
Tanzanite is believed to stimulate the third-eye chakra, helping individuals enhance their psychic abilities, including intuition, clairvoyance, and telepathy.
Connecting with Higher Consciousness
Many spiritual healers believe that Tanzanite helps the wearer connect with their higher self and align their energies with divine forces. It is often used in meditation to gain deeper insights into one’s purpose and destiny.
Emotional Healing with Tanzanite
Tanzanite is also known for its ability to help people overcome emotional challenges, such as:
- Promoting Emotional Stability: Tanzanite helps individuals remain calm and centered during difficult times, offering a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Encouraging Inner Strength: The gemstone helps strengthen one’s inner resolve, allowing them to face adversity with courage and confidence.
- Developing Compassion: Tanzanite is associated with the heart chakra, encouraging empathy, compassion, and emotional growth.
Tanzanite in Jewelry
The Appeal of Tanzanite Jewelry
The vivid blue-violet hues of Tanzanite make it a popular gemstone for jewelry. Whether set in rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, Tanzanite’s striking appearance can add elegance to any outfit. Jewelry designers often pair Tanzanite with diamonds to create luxurious, high-end pieces.
Tanzanite Engagement Rings
In recent years, Tanzanite engagement rings have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional diamond rings. Due to its beauty and rarity, Tanzanite is seen as a symbol of uniqueness and individuality.
Tanzanite Ring Care Tips
While Tanzanite is a beautiful choice for engagement rings, special care should be taken due to its moderate hardness. Here are some care tips:
- Avoid exposure to extreme heat and chemicals.
- Store Tanzanite jewelry separately to prevent scratches.
- Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap; avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
How to Identify Authentic Tanzanite
Key Factors in Identifying Genuine Tanzanite
When buying Tanzanite, it’s essential to ensure that you are purchasing an authentic, high-quality stone. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Color
The most valuable Tanzanites display a deep, saturated blue with a hint of violet. Stones with lighter or more muted colors are generally less valuable.
2. Clarity
Tanzanite is typically eye-clean, meaning it has no visible inclusions. Stones with significant inclusions or blemishes are of lower value.
3. Cut
Tanzanite gemstones are usually cut in shapes that maximize their color and pleochroic properties, such as oval, round, and cushion cuts.
4. Carat Weight
Larger Tanzanites are rare and more valuable, with stones over 5 carats considered especially desirable.
How to Use Tanzanite for Healing and Spiritual Growth
Meditation with Tanzanite
Tanzanite is an excellent stone for meditation and can help you connect with your higher consciousness. To use Tanzanite in meditation, hold the stone in your hand or place it on your third-eye chakra, allowing its energy to guide you toward clarity and insight.
Using Tanzanite in Your Workspace
Tanzanite is known to improve creativity and focus, making it a great gemstone to keep in your workspace. Place it on your desk to enhance productivity and stimulate innovative thinking.
Tanzanite for Emotional Healing
Wear Tanzanite jewelry or carry the stone with you to support emotional healing. The stone’s calming energy can help you manage stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil.
Tanzanite’s Astrological Benefits
Tanzanite for Sagittarius and Capricorn
Tanzanite is associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn, making it a popular choice for people born under these signs. Tanzanite helps Sagittarians express themselves creatively and expand their spiritual horizons, while it provides Capricorns with the grounding energy needed to stay focused on their goals.
Birthstone for December
Since 2002, Tanzanite has been recognized as a birthstone for December, alongside turquoise and zircon. Tanzanite’s blue hue symbolizes tranquility, wisdom, and prosperity, making it an ideal gift for those born in December.
Caring for Your Tanzanite Gemstone
How to Clean Tanzanite
Tanzanite requires careful handling due to its moderate hardness. Follow these steps to clean your Tanzanite gemstone properly:
- Soak the stone: Use warm water mixed with mild soap.
- Gently scrub: Use a soft toothbrush to clean around the edges of the setting.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the gemstone under lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
Storage Tips for Tanzanite
When storing Tanzanite jewelry, keep the gemstone away from harder materials that could scratch its surface. Store it in a soft pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box to avoid damage.
Tanzanite is not only a gemstone of extraordinary beauty but also a symbol of rarity, spirituality, and luxury. Its unique combination of blue and violet hues, paired with its fascinating pleochroic properties, make it one of the most cherished gemstones in the world.
Whether you’re a gemstone enthusiast, a jewelry collector, or someone looking for a unique birthstone, Tanzanite offers unparalleled allure. However, its moderate hardness requires careful handling and mindful wear. Investing in Tanzanite is not only a financial commitment but also a way to cherish a piece of Earth’s rarest and most beautiful creations.
Leave A Comment