Tanzanite Crystals For Sale

Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite that gains its color from the substitution of vanadium within the zoisite mineral structure. It is found only in the Arusha and Manyara regions of Tanzania, Africa, which it is named after. It is well known and relatively popular in the gemstone community for its lovely color and pleochroic effect when viewing from different angles. Before faceting into a gemstone, a tanzanite's pleochroism is considered to ensure it is cut at an angle that delivers the strongest blue-violet color. Tanzanite is relatively soft for a gemstone, so its uses in jewelry are somewhat limited.

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13 Items ($45 to $375)

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania #308350

.87" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania

$375

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania #308347

.78" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania

$375

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania #308332

1.05" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania

$265

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania #308329

.71" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania

$165

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania #309458

.55" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania

$45

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania #309457

.71" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal -Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania #175438

1.5" Brilliant Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal Cluster - Merelani Hills, Tanzania #178337

.91" Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal Cluster - Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Brilliant, Violet Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania #182360

1.32" Brilliant, Violet Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Tanzanite Crystals, Calcite and Graphite Association - Tanzania #178322

.8" Tanzanite Crystals, Calcite and Graphite Association - Tanzania

SOLD

Brilliant Bicolored Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania #308327

.51" Brilliant Bicolored Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Blue-Violet Tanzanite Cluster - Merelani Hills, Tanzania #286250

.58" Blue-Violet Tanzanite Cluster - Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania #274154

.16" Blue-Violet Tanzanite Crystal - Merelani Hills, Tanzania

SOLD

Tanzanite: The Rare Blue Gemstone From Mount Kilimanjaro’S Shadow

Tanzanite, with its vibrant blue-to-violet hues and captivating allure, is among the most prized gemstones in the world. Discovered only in the late 20th century, it quickly gained recognition for its rarity, unique color, and fascinating origin story. This gemstone has become synonymous with luxury and intrigue, partly due to its single-source origin in Tanzania. Below, we explore the history, geology, properties, and symbolism of this extraordinary mineral.

It was discovered in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. The credit for the gemstone’s discovery is often given to a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu, who found the striking blue crystals scattered on the ground. Word of this unique mineral spread quickly, attracting the attention of a gem prospector named Manuel d’Souza, who recognized its potential. D’Souza initially mistook the gemstone for sapphires due to its striking color. However, upon examination, it became clear that this was a new and unique mineral. Eventually, the gemstone was named "tanzanite" after its country of origin, Tanzania, where it remains the sole source.

In recent years, tanzanite’s popularity has soared in the luxury jewelry market. It is especially beloved for statement pieces, where its unique color shines. Many high-end jewelry designers have embraced tanzanite as a modern alternative to sapphires, creating stunning necklaces, rings, and earrings that showcase its captivating blue-violet hues. Tanzanite also holds a special place in birthstone collections, as it was officially added as the birthstone for December in 2002 by the American Gem Trade Association.

Geology and Formation

Tanzanite belongs to the mineral family zoisite, which forms under specific geological conditions. Its unique color is due to trace elements like vanadium and chromium within the crystal structure. This color can range from blue to violet depending on the angle from which it is viewed, a property known as pleochroism. In nature, tanzanite forms in a brownish hue and is later heat-treated to bring out the vivid blue and violet colors we associate with the gem. This heat treatment mimics the natural geological processes that occur over millions of years.

Tanzanite deposits are found exclusively in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro, measuring just about 7 km by 2 km (4 miles by 1 mile) in size. This concentrated source has made tanzanite one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with a supply that is anticipated to deplete within a few decades.

The Maasai people, indigenous to the region near tanzanite’s discovery site, often use tanzanite as a symbol of life and transformation. They have incorporated it into traditional jewelry, especially for newborns, viewing the gemstone as a blessing for a prosperous life. Tanzanite’s value is determined by its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Deep blue or blue-violet tanzanites command the highest prices, while lighter stones are less valuable. Due to its scarcity, prices for tanzanite have steadily increased since its discovery. The gem’s single-source origin has also led to speculation that prices may skyrocket in the future as deposits become depleted.

Physical and Optical Properties

Tanzanite is valued primarily for its remarkable color and optical properties:

Color: Tanzanite’s signature color is a result of pleochroism, where the stone appears blue, violet, or burgundy depending on the angle. The finest tanzanite gemstones exhibit an intense, saturated blue.

Hardness: Tanzanite ranks between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale, making it somewhat soft for a gemstone and requiring careful handling.

Luster: The gemstone has a vitreous, or glass-like, luster when polished.

Transparency: High-quality tanzanite is transparent, while lower-grade stones may have inclusions or fractures.

Caring for Tanzanite

Due to its relative softness, tanzanite requires special care to avoid damage. It is best suited for earrings, pendants, and other types of jewelry that are less exposed to wear and tear. To clean tanzanite, use a soft brush and mild soap with lukewarm water, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the stone.

TANZANITE CRYSTALS FOR SALE

Tanzanite: The Rare Blue Gemstone From Mount Kilimanjaro’S Shadow

Geology and Formation

Physical and Optical Properties

Caring for Tanzanite