Tanzanite is
the “new kid on the block” of the gemstone
kingdom. Discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and introduced
to the American market in 1969, tanzanite has catapulted
to incredible popularity in a very short amount of time.
It was named in honor of the country in which it was
found and introduced in the United States for the first
time by Tiffany & Co. Available in colors ranging
from blue to violet to purple, few gems can rival tanzanite’s
depth of hue and purity of color.
Tanzanite owes much of its beauty to an unusual gemological
property called pleochroism, the ability to exhibit more
than one color. When viewed from different directions,
tanzanite can look blue, violet, purple, bronze or gray. Before a tanzanite is
faceted, the gemstone cutter studies the crystal and decides which directional
orientation will show the best color. Most cutters will try to produce a pure
blue tanzanite, but cutting to achieve a blue color sacrifices a lot of weight
and results in a smaller and more costly finished gem.
Yet the blue of a well-cut tanzanite
is so breathtaking that most agree the sacrifice is well
worth it. Tanzanite shows its strongest colors in sizes of
4 to 5 carats and larger. Smaller tanzanites are usually
soft blue, light violet or lilac purple.
Birthstone
Tanzanite is sometimes used as an alternate for the traditional
December birthstones turquoise and zircon.
Origins
Tanzanite is mined in only one location in the world, the Merelani Hills of Tanzania,
in eastern Africa.
Treatments
Virtually all tanzanite is gently heated to bring out its rich blue, violet and
purple hues. Heating also minimizes the gem’s bronze or brownish tones.
Care
Tanzanite is a relatively hard gemstone, but it is not equally durable. Tanzanite
may chip or break if exposed to moderate blows or sudden changes in temperature.
It is best suited for wear in earrings and pendants. When mounted in a ring or
bracelet, special attention should be paid to ensure the stone is well-protected.
Tanzanite should never be cleaned with an ultrasonic or steam machine. Tanzanite
can be cleaned with most any commercial jewelry cleaner or plain soap and warm
water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning.
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