Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; often it is heat-treated to achieve this color. Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzanites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue command premium prices. As tanzanite can be less expensive than sapphire, it often was purchased as an alternative. However, it has increased in popularity and now is valued more for its own beauty and brilliance than as a sapphire substitute.
Tanzanite has become one of the most popular gems in the market place. In fact, it is now the most popular gemstone after the “big four,” which consists of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
Tanzanite is among the infamous blue treasures. It comes in different shapes, sizes, and a variety of blue tones. Tanzanite is seldom pure blue; it generally exhibits the signature purple overtone.
This stone makes people feel and calm. It helps to make a connection between the heart and the mind of a person in which their feelings are connected to what they think. It as well brings kindness, compassion, and enlightenment in one’s life. It can as well be used to heal you spiritually by vibrating a connection the angels, higher consciousness and spirit guides.
| Category | Sorosilicate |
| Chemical Formula | (Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) + (Cr,Sr) |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Color | Blue, violet |
| Hardness | 6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | White to colorless |
| Specific gravity | 3.1 to 3.38 |
