Rare gems of the world - Tanzanite

Tanzanite, the blue and violetish blue variation of the mineral Zoisite, is one of the rare gems of the world, found only in the Merelani hills, in northern Tanzania.

Although it is a "recent" discovery dating from the 1960s its mining resources are almost depleted, making new supplies scarce.

The lack of inclusions and the intensity of Blue are important factors on its price, with Vivid Blue and eye clean stones being highly sought after.

360 Video of a Vivid Blue Tanzanite, part of our rare gems collection.

It posses a strong pleochroism (show of different colors from different directions) and the cutters decision on how to cut the gemstone can greatly influence its color and life. The light source may also influence its appearance and highlight its undertone color. e.g. yellow warm light will enhance the violet undertone in a violetish blue tanzanite.

Visit our Tanzanite collection here.

Did you know: There are other color variations of Zoisite, Green, Pink, Purple, Red, which are sometimes called Tanzanite, preceded by its color name: e.g. Green Tanzanite.