Though it forms deep in the earth over millions of years, brilliantly beautiful blue tanzanite was only discovered as recently as 1967. And like many ingénues, tanzanite is a gemstone that can afford to play hard to get. The reason why is its very limited availability. Tanzanite is found in only one place in the entire world: the African nation of Tanzania. On Mount Kilimanjaro.
What is Tanzanite?
With its teasing hints of purple, tanzanite is the blue colored member of a pedigreed family of gemstones known as zoisites. Interestingly, upon the discovery of so-called “blue zoisites” in 1967, it was thought that the name “zoisite” sounded too much like the word “suicide” in English. It was therefore decided to name the tanzanite after its exclusive Tanzania location.
The name was actually first proposed by Tiffany in New York. Later, in 1969, Tiffany was also the first to market the rare gems to the public. Tanzanites have remained one of the most sought after colored gemstones since that time.
The gem is found in color tones ranging from an ultramarine blue to a light violet-blue to purple. The most desired tanzanites are those with deep rich hues that are delicately infused with purple. Tanzanites with multiple colors are also quite common; with the stones often appearing with tinges of blue, purple or brownish-yellow depending on the viewing angle.
The Meaning of Tanzanites
Tanzanite is the enviable birthstone for those born in the month of December. Along with the other similarly-hued December birthstones of turquoise and blue topaz, tanzanite is thought to represent a contented life filled with the promise of good fortune.
Tanzanite, like the continent of its origin, is a gem with a rich history of story. In African folklore, the gem is thought to relax the tension of “Type-A” personalities and those under extreme pressure for long periods of time.
Tanzanite is also believed to restore or elevate the mood of those who wear it, bringing them in harmony with others around them.
Many espouse tanzanite with having actual physical benefits including: helping the body with the intake of zinc; regaining consciousness; toxin elimination and the clearing of skin disorders. The gem is also thought to be able to stimulate both the mind and the heart, and to ease ones’ blood pressure.
Famous Tanzanites In History
Tanzanites enjoy an audience of worldwide admirers. A few of the unusual gems have made the list of top tier tanzanites, standing head and shoulders above the rest:
The “Queen of Kilimanjaro”
Weighing over 240 carats, the most famous tanzanite has a name as impressive as its size. Known as the “Queen of Kilimanjaro,” the show-stopping gem was used as the centerpiece of a show-stopping tiara encrusted with diamonds and garnets. This exotic tiara is on museum display in Ontario, Canada, at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Bragging Rights
The largest Tanzanite stone ever mined was over 737 carats. If size matters, this beauty of a stone surely takes the prize.
Tanzanite Pricing – No Cheap Date
The high end pricing of tazanites reflects not only the extravagant coloring of this unique gemstone, but also its quite limited availability. Because of their unusual color, tanzanites are thought to make a particular statement about the wearer, thus increasing their value and desirability.
Our Featured Piece*
(Pictured above)
While tanzanites are both prized and priced for their scarcity, at the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, we carry the largest selection of precious colored stones and EGL & GIA certified diamonds and jewelry anywhere – often more than 50% to 70% below retail.
Featured at the showroom of the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery in Studio City, California, is the sparkler above pictured sparkling tanzanite, white gold and diamond necklace ready to take center stage in any fine jewelry connection. Tanzanite is rare; but you don’t have to be a drama queen to wear it. Just be ready to bring a bit of mystery when you wear this show-stopping piece from our collection.
Find hundreds of diamond and colored stone necklaces on sale now at prices from $398 and up!
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Watch This Video! You’ll see just how royal Tanzanite can be in this video featuring a Johnny N Tanzanite and Diamond Ring.
