Tanzanite is a blue to violet gemstone that is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It was discovered in the Mererani Hills near Arusha in northern Tanzania, which is the only known source of the stone, hence its name. Tanzanite exhibits a striking blue to violet color, which can appear differently depending on the orientation of the crystal and the lighting conditions. This phenomenon is known as pleochroism. The gemstone was discovered in 1967 by a Masai tribesman and was later popularized by Tiffany & Co., which named it "tanzanite" after its country of origin.

Tanzanite is formed under very specific geological conditions and is found in a relatively small area, making it a rare gemstone. Most tanzanite on the market has been heat-treated to enhance its blue and violet hues. The natural color of tanzanite can range from brownish to greenish before treatment. On the Mohs scale of hardness, tanzanite ranks about 6 to 7, making it somewhat susceptible to scratching and chipping. It requires careful handling and setting in jewelry to avoid damage. The value of tanzanite depends on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Deep, vivid blue or violet stones without visible inclusions are the most prized.

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Tanzanite is found exclusively in a very small area of northern Tanzania, near the Mererani (or Merelani) Hills in the Simanjiro District of the Manyara Region. This area is situated close to the city of Arusha and the Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it relatively accessible despite its limited geographic range. The mining area is a narrow strip of land approximately 7 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. This unique and highly localized occurrence makes tanzanite one of the rarest gemstones in the world, contributing significantly to its value and allure.

Tanzanite is extracted through both small-scale artisanal mining and larger-scale commercial operations. The mining process involves drilling, blasting, and tunneling into the host rock to retrieve the gemstones. The mining conditions can be quite challenging due to the depth and hardness of the rock. Moreover, the limited size of the mining area and the depth at which tanzanite is found make extraction difficult and costly. Tanzanite displays strong pleochroism, meaning it can show different colors when viewed from different angles. Typically, it exhibits blue, violet, and burgundy hues. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to enhance its color. The treatment involves heating the stone to around 500-600°C (932-1112°F), which transforms the brownish or greenish zoisite into the vivid blue-violet tanzanite.

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The most prized tanzanite stones exhibit a deep, vibrant blue or violet color. Lesser quality stones may appear pale or have a brownish tint. Tanzanite displays different colors when viewed from different angles (typically blue, violet, and burgundy). A good-quality stone will show strong pleochroism. Look for stones with minimal to no visible inclusions. High clarity tanzanite is more valuable. The stone should be transparent, allowing light to pass through without significant obstruction. A well-cut tanzanite will have good symmetry and proportions, enhancing its color and brilliance. Popular cuts include oval, cushion, and round, but any shape can be chosen based on personal preference.

Use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect for natural inclusions. Complete absence of inclusions may indicate a synthetic stone. Rotate the stone under different lighting conditions. Genuine tanzanite will show different colors (blue, violet, burgundy) depending on the viewing angle. Under ultraviolet (UV) light, genuine tanzanite may exhibit a soft glow. Synthetic stones might not show this reaction. Most tanzanite is heat-treated to enhance its color. Untreated tanzanite is rare and may have a different value. A gemological report can confirm the presence or absence of heat treatment. Tanzanite has a specific refractive index range (1.69 to 1.70). A gemologist can measure this to confirm authenticity. Ensure the stone comes with a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory. This document will confirm the stone’s identity, quality, and any treatments it has undergone.

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Tanzanite is renowned for its stunning blue and violet hues, but it can exhibit a range of colors due to its pleochroic nature, which means it can show different colors when viewed from different angles. Blue Tanzanite is the most popular and valued color of tanzanite. The blue can range from a light, sky-blue to a deep, rich cobalt blue. The depth of blue often increases with the size of the gemstone. Larger stones tend to exhibit more intense blue hues. Violet tanzanite displays a range of purples, from light lilac to deep violet. This color is also highly prized, though not as much as the deep blue variety. The violet color can often be seen alongside blue in pleochroic stones, adding to the gem’s unique visual appeal.

Bi-color tanzanite displays two distinct colors within the same stone, typically blue and violet. The colors can be seen either as zones within the crystal or as a gradient. This type can be particularly interesting to collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique and striking appearance. Tanzanite’s pleochroic nature means it can show different colors such as blue, violet, and burgundy when viewed from different angles. This is due to the way the crystal absorbs light. The color of tanzanite can appear different under various lighting conditions. Incandescent light tends to bring out the violet hues, while fluorescent light highlights the blue tones. The way a tanzanite is cut can influence its apparent color. Skilled cutters optimize the stone’s orientation to enhance its most desirable colors.

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The value and pricing of tanzanite are influenced by several key factors, including color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and certification. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when purchasing tanzanite. Tanzanite’s color ranges from blue to violet. The most valuable stones exhibit a deep, vivid blue or a rich violet-blue hue. High color saturation increases the stone’s value. Pale or washed-out colors are less desirable and therefore less valuable. Tanzanite’s ability to show different colors from different angles (blue, violet, burgundy) can enhance its appeal and value.

Wholesale prices are generally lower than retail prices and are available to businesses purchasing in bulk. Buying multiple stones or larger quantities can sometimes result in discounted pricing. Prices can range from $200 to $500 per carat, depending on quality. Prices typically range from $400 to $800 per carat, with higher quality stones reaching up to $1,000 per carat. High-quality large stones can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per carat or more, with exceptional stones achieving even higher prices.

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