Tanzanite Meaning and Properties
Tanzanite History
Rarer than diamonds and almost as famous, tanzanite has skyrocketed in popularity like a starlet in Hollywood in the short 50 years since its discovery.
Tanzanite is an exquisite form of zoisite with color ranges from ultramarine to sapphire blue and appears with amethyst purple, periwinkle and sometimes even yellow hues in artificial light. An otherwise unappealing brown stone, the in-demand blue is created during a traditional heating process. It is often mistaken for sapphire, but the main difference between the two gems is tanzanite's brilliant range of purple and blue hues.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Tanzanite?
Tanzanite properties are said to include facilitating a higher consciousness and stimulating intuition and perception. Some believe that it aids in detoxifying the body and improving vitality. It is said to be a good stone to wear or have near in situations where you need a calming and soothing presence. Although, because of the high vibration rate of the stone, some believe the stone can be a stimulant to the throat and head and preserve youthfulness.
Another popular belief is that—because it takes intense heat to bring forth this stone's full potential—it also has the ability to bring forth the wearers' full potential and help them get in touch with the alternate side of their personality.
What is Tanzanite Made From?
The blue and violet colors associated with the gem are created by heating cut and polished stones to 752-932 degrees Fahrenheit (400-500 degrees Celsius). Since the zoisite crystals appear as common brown pebbles before being treated, the gemstone went undiscovered until 1962 when lightning caused a brushfire which—by a stroke of fortune—heated some surfaced pebbles to the right temperature. A local Masai cattle herder noticed a stone sparkling in the sun soon after, and tanzanite was discovered. Once the stone reached New York jewelers Tiffany and Co, it was named "tanzanite" after its country of origin and began its climb to fame.
One would think from the short supply of the stone that the gem would be one of the most expensive. Yet, short sighted in the excitement of this stone's discovery, mine owners and jewelers have never properly priced the worth per carat of the stone, which explains the range in prices.
Tanzanite occurs only in the East African state of Tanzania in a volcanic basin called Merelani. The basin is at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in the African Rift Valley, a wide grassy basin used by Masai cattle herders to raise and watch their herds. The mining area for this stone is just under 10 square miles. The gem was formed roughly 585 million years ago at the same time the African Rift Valley was formed and is found in geological structures called boudins.
- Mineral Information: Calcium aluminum silicate, may include iron or manganese
- Chemical Composition: Ca2Al3(O/OH/SiO4/Si2O7)
- Color: Purple-blue
- Hardness: 6-1/2 to 7 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 3.35
- Refractive Index: 1.691 – 1.700
How Do You Clean Tanzanite?
The beautiful violet tones of tanzanite are formed by a traditional heating process, so this gem should not be exposed to sudden temperature changes of either extreme heat or cold. However, the color is not affected by strong light. Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners and boiling may damage the stone or affect the color and should never be used. Instead, use warm soapy water, allow to air dry and polish with an untreated cloth. Avoid using hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acids.
Although tanzanite is a hard stone (Mohs hardness 6-1/2 to 7), it should still be handled like the rare gem that it is. If you struggle to avoid bumping or scraping your jewelry throughout the day, consider earrings as a safe option for displaying this gem. Avoid laying your tanzanite jewelry face down on hard surfaces after you take it off.
Tanzanite FAQ
Q: What does it mean when tanzanite is described as slow acting?
A: Tanzanite is described as slow acting in the metaphysical sense, acting as a gentle guide to steady growth, rather than a forceful catalyst. Tanzanite properties include enhancing spiritual awareness, promoting intuition, encouraging emotional healing, supporting calmness and clarity and facilitating deep meditation and transformation.
Q: Where is tanzanite found?
A: Tanzanite is found exclusively in a small region of northern Tanzania, specifically within the Merelani Hills in the Simanjiro District of the Manyara Region. This limited geographic occurrence contributes to tanzanite's rarity and value.
Q: Is tanzanite suitable for everyday wear?
A: Tanzanite is a stunning gemstone, but due to its moderate hardness (6–6.5 on the Mohs scale) and perfect cleavage, it’s not ideal for everyday wear—especially in rings or bracelets that are more prone to bumps and scratches. It’s better suited for earrings, pendants or special occasion jewelry. With gentle handling and proper care, tanzanite can maintain its beauty for years to come.
Q: What is the difference between sapphire and tanzanite?
A: Sapphire is a much harder stone than tanzanite—a 9 on the Mohs scale, making it much more durable. The stones have a different chemical composition, but more apparent to the naked eye is tanzanite’s purplish-blue color, in contrast the deep blue of sapphire.
Q: Is tanzanite a good gift to use in jewelry designs for gifting for milestones and anniversaries?
A: Tanzanite has been adopted as an official December birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association, making it deal for gifting to those born in that month. It is also associated with the Ophiuchus zodiac sign , as well as being the official gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary , suggesting further occasions for gifting this stone.
Designing with Tanzanite
Because of the rarity of this gem, its association has become one of elegance and indulgence. Pair beautiful tanzanite with sterling silver chain, pearls and gently contrasting pink stones such as rose quartz, tourmaline and rhodonite for an uncommonly tasteful look. Sterling silver tassel earrings with tanzanite beads and cultured freshwater pearls hanging from the end of each strand would present just the right amount of sparkle and glamour.
For a more approachable and fun look, create a multi-strand necklace from strings of white seed beads with pieces of tanzanite chips and pale rose quartz beads intermittent throughout the strands.
Shop for Tanzanite
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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