What does natural tanzanite look like?

The only deposit in the world is located on the Merelani plateau in Arusha province in northern Tanzania. The main mining is carried out underground from eluvial placers formed during the destruction of these rocks. In some areas, the tanzanite content in 1 ton of ore can reach 60 carats. From 2004 to the present, mining has been carried out by Tanzanite One Group. According to miners, its reserves will be enough for about 20 years of active development.

CHARACTERISTICS

Mineral type: zoisite Chemical formula: Ca 2 Al 3 (SiO 4 ) 3 (OH) Optical character: anisotropic Cleavage: perfect in one direction Density: 3,35 g/cm3 Refractive index: 1,691-1,700 Color: blue, blue-violet, yellowish-green, etc.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
• Tanzanites are mined in only one deposit in the world – on the Merelani plateau in Tanzania.
• Tiffany & Co. promoted the gem to the jewelry catwalk.
• The Stone starred in the Oscar-winning film Titanic as the big blue diamond, “Heart of the Ocean.”
• The largest uncut tanzanite weighs 17000 carats and has a bluish-purple hue. The mineral was named after the second largest mountain of Kilimanjaro – Mawenzi. The copy is considered priceless.
• The largest cut tanzanite gem weighing 242 carats is in the possession of Mike Scott, the first executive director of Apple. The stone is set into a tiara called “Queen of Kilimanjaro”.

History

Tanzanite was first discovered by the Portuguese Manuel de Souza in the summer of 1967. While searching for rubies in the vicinity of the Kilimanjaro volcano, he found blue-violet zoisite crystals, which he mistook for sapphires. Later, the stone caught the eye of the president of Tiffany & Co. Henry Platt, who saw the prospects of new gems, and the company began to “promote” them. At one time, the stone was perceived exclusively as a substitute for blue sapphires. However, due to their beauty, rarity and proper promotion, tanzanites have become very highly valued as a gemstone in their own right.

Ennobling

The external properties of zoisite stone can be changed by humans. To give the crystal a rich blue-violet color and eliminate the characteristic brownish and greenish tints, almost all tanzanites are heat treated at a temperature of 400-650 degrees. Unheated tanzanites are quite rare on the market. They are characterized by light colors with strong pleochroism in blue, violet, green and brownish colors.

The healing properties of the stone

Lithotherapists attribute the ability to improve vision to the mineral – it is recommended to wear it for people working at a computer or with small parts. To feel the healing power of the gem, they should be admired more often.

Earrings inlaid with tanzanite cure migraines, bracelets with the stone help relieve back pain. A necklace or pendant improves the skin of the face – a similar effect is achieved by washing with water infused with stone. A gold ring with a stone allows you to relax and relieves insomnia.

The natural mineral boosts its owner’s immunity and helps in the fight against viruses. The mineral has the best effect when used in conjunction with traditional medicine.

PHOTO of tanzanite

The photo shows faceted tanzanites, each weighing over 10 carats.

The photo shows a stone weighing 24,56 ct

The photo shows a stone with a pronounced polychrome property (a combination of several colors)

The photo shows a zoisite stone of rare natural pink color

Tanzanite in our catalog

Cushion cut tanzanite 12.26 carats

• Cleanliness: visually clean
• Upgrading: heat treatment
• Cut: square cushion
• Dimensions: 13.05×13.12×9.74
• Origin: Tanzania

Paired polychrome tanzanites 4.45 carats

• Cleanliness: visually clean
• Upgrading: none
• Cut: heart
• Размеры: 9.28х8.96х4.70; 9.28х8.95х4.57
• Origin: Tanzania

Natural cushion cut tanzanite 7.83 carats

• Cleanliness: visually clean
• Upgrading: heat treatment
• Cut: cushion
• Dimensions: 11.19×12.18×6.75
• Origin: Tanzania

Polychrome Unheated Tanzanite 3.36ct

• Cleanliness: visually clean
• Upgrading: none
• Cut: square cushion
• Dimensions: 9.22×7.85×5.18
• Origin: Tanzania

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☘ History
Natural Tanzanite stone is a blue-violet gemstone that is a member of the zoisite mineral group. It was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro. This deposit is still the world’s only source of tanzanite. The question of who discovered the mineral is the subject of ongoing debate. According to some, the first tanzanite crystals were found by a member of the Ali Juyawati tribe at the site of a forest fire. Others believe that the discoverer was an ordinary prospector named Manuel de Souza, who, together with the Maasai tribe, was looking for rubies. Tanzanite got its name and popularity thanks to the famous American jewelry company Tiffany & Co., which very skillfully organized advertising for an unknown stone, which led to its rapid popularity.
☘ How to distinguish natural tanzanite stone
Basic color range natural tanzanite stone ranges from ultramarine to deep sapphire blue. It also has a blue-violet color. It is best identified by its refractive index, which is (1 – 691) and density, 1. The orthorhombic crystal structure also distinguishes it from some similar gemstones such as amethyst. Tanzanite exhibits perfect cleavage with a jagged fracture.
☘ Deposits of natural tanzanite
Tanzanite is found in only one place on Earth – Tanzania, East Africa. The only known deposit is the Merelani plateau in Arusha province, ten miles south of Kilimanjaro International Airport.
What color is natural tanzanite?
Tanzanite ranges in color from ultramarine to sapphire. It may appear more purple in artificial light. Pleochroism means that it can exhibit different colors when viewed from different viewing angles. Tanzanite has a richer color in gemstones over 5 carats. The most desirable color is deep blue or violet blue.
☘Transparency and sparkle of natural tanzanite
At the time of buying tanzanite gemstones you should look for a clean stone. Tanzanite has a mesmerizing glassy luster. Therefore, inclusions visible to the eye reduce its value, with the exception of the very rare cat’s eye stone, which has rutile inclusions that cause an optical effect.
☘ Tanzanite stone cut
Tanzanite is cut mainly in the traditional way, but is also cut into unusual shapes using various cutting styles. The most common cuts are ovals and cushions. The primary color of a natural tanzanite stone depends on the orientation of the cut. The extremely rare cat’s eye stone is cut into cabochons to best display the desired optical effect.

☘Ennobling tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite usually heat treated to enhance its blue and violet colors. Most coarse crystals have brownish-yellow hues that disappear when heated to 752 – 932 degrees F (400 – 500 degrees C). Each seller is obliged to warn the buyer about any manipulations carried out with precious stones to improve them.
☘Gemological properties

• Chemical formula: Ca2Al3 (SiO4) 3 (OH) aluminum and calcium silicate
• Crystal structure: rhombic
• Color: blue, purple
• Hardness: 6,5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
• Refractive index: 1,691 to 1,700
• Luster: vitreous
• Density: 3,35
• Cleavage: perfect
• Fluorescence: no
• Double refraction or birefringence: 0,009

☘Gems similar to tanzanite
Tanzanite is included in the zoisite group with thulite and anionite. Thulite is an opaque pink or pink-red manganese variety of zoisite, named after the legendary island of Thule. Aniolite is an opaque variety of zoisite, consisting of green zoisite and inclusions of dark pink or cherry red ruby. Tanzanite can be mistaken for other gemstones of the same color. These include amethyst, iolite.
Tanzanite is believed to evoke compassion and promote tranquility. It facilitates communication and problem solving. It is a stone of higher consciousness, desire fulfillment, self-expression, creativity, wisdom and communication. Its color is associated with loyalty, faith, sincerity and respect. On the physical plane, tanzanite affects the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland and mouth. In addition, tanzanite is the zodiac stone for those born in December. According to Feng Shui, blue tanzanite carries water energy, while purple tanzanite carries fire energy.
☘Jewelry ware
Tanzanite has a relatively good hardness rating (6 to 5 on the Mohs scale). However, due to its perfect split, it should be worn with caution. Like diamond and topaz, one hit can cause tanzanite to crack. Therefore, special care should be taken when cutting, polishing or cutting stones. Tanzanite is set in gold and silver and accented with diamonds in a wide range of Tiffany & Co. jewelry. It is used in rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches. A variety of traditional and fancy cut shapes are used in fancy jewelry. Smooth tanzanite beads can be seen in the Tiffany bracelet from the 7 Blue Book collection. It was used in earrings made by the famous jeweler Gianmaria Buccellatti. Cabochons are sometimes used to make ethnic jewelry. Tanzanite’s vibrant hue makes this stone an excellent choice as a jewelry gemstone for any occasion.
Famous and Famous Natural Tanzanite Stones

most notable natural tanzanite stone considered to be the “Queen of Kilimanjaro” Tanzanite, which is set in a white gold tiara along with 803 garnets and 913 diamonds. This gemstone is one of the world’s largest cut tanzanite gemstones and weighs approximately 242 carats.
The renowned collection at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum includes a natural tanzanite weighing 122 carats, a Schneider ring containing a 70 carat gem and a magnificent Petersen brooch with a pair of tanzanites weighing a total of 12 carats.
Tanzanite has been worn by many Hollywood stars. At the Cannes Film Festival, Cate Blanchett wore a Chopard necklace with tanzanite. Penelope Cruz’s engagement ring features a tanzanite as the center stone. Anne Hathaway wore tanzanite necklace earrings to complement her electric blue Armani dress at the 2011 Oscars.
☘Care tanzanites
How to clean your gemstones? Because tanzanite exhibits perfect cleavage, tanzanite jewelry must be protected from strong impacts that can cause damage. They should not be exposed to strong heat or sudden changes in temperature or acid. Avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaners. The best way to clean natural tanzanite stone is with a soap solution and a soft flannel cloth. Rinse the tanzanite stone under running water to completely remove the soapy solution. Always remove any jewelry or items containing natural tanzanite stone before cleaning, sports or vigorous physical activity. Keep natural tanzanite stone and tanzanite jewelry away from other gemstones to prevent scratches. The best way to store natural tanzanite jewelry is to wrap it in fabric and place it in a jewelry box.