Origin tanzanite

Origin of Tanzanite

The first tanzanite gemstones were discovered in 1967 in Arusha, in the Merelani Hills, Tanzania—next to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The jewellery house Tiffany & Co was so impressed by this beautiful blue gemstone that they named it Tanzanite, after the country where it was found. To this day, this gemstone is only found in this one location in the world. Depending on the amount still to be found, perhaps only one generation will have the opportunity to purchase this beautiful gemstone.

In the Kiliaan Jewelry collection, we have various tanzanite pieces. Can't find the desired piece of jewellery? Please send us an email.

Variety of Zoisite

Tanzanite is the transparent violet-blue variety of the mineral zoisite. Ruby in zoisite is perhaps the best known, but the mineral also occurs in white, yellow, or pink. Did you know there's also a pink variety? This colour is rare but you occasionally encounter it.

Rarity

The blue-violet zoisite is mined in only one location—it is even rarer than diamond. Diamond is found in various locations across continents and has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, while tanzanite is less hard: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Spiritual effect of tanzanite

This gemstone is closely connected to the realm of Angels, Ascended Masters, and spiritual guides. The lavender-blue gemstone enhances your intuition and guides you on inner journeys—a pleasant stone for meditation. It also helps you relax and alleviate any worries.

Tanzanite zodiac sign and December birthstone

This purple-blue gemstone suits three zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, and Sagittarius. Tanzanite is the December birthstone. Those lucky enough to be born in December also have zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz as birthstones.

Pleochroism in a gemstone

Tanzanite shows different colours when you move the stone (also called pleochroism). An unheated stone shows three different colours when viewed from various angles: from yellow/green, brownish to violet-blue. Current stones show different shades of blue to blue-purple.

Buy Tanzanite

Kiliaan Jewelry has a limited collection of tanzanite jewellery. Depending on availability, the jewellery is designed and made by our local silversmiths in Bali. The ring collection consists of various models in silver or combined with 18-carat gold, cabochon cut or faceted.

Maintenance

Like many gemstones, this blue-purple gemstone does not like bright sun and can discolour. Do you want to clean the stone? Do this under running water, in soil, or place the stone in moonlight.