Tanzanite is a precious gemstone with distinct hues ranging from luscious blues to luxurious purples that is unique to Africa. Tanzanite is one of the world’s most remarkable and sought-after precious gemstones, and is only found in one place on Earth: deep in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha and the awe-inspiring grandeur of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

According to experts, the chances of finding tanzanite anywhere else on the planet are less than one in a million. Therefore, this gemstone is at least a thousand times rarer than a diamond due to its solitary source and limited supply. It is also rare to locate two stones that are exactly the same hue, resulting in matching pairs being constantly in high demand.

An exquisite cushion-cut tanzanite ring with a dazzling floral-inspired diamond halo.

The Exquisite Colours of Rare Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a brilliant gemstone with a multi-dimensional colour that sets it apart from other jewels, even rivalling the magnificence of blue sapphire. Rough Tanzanite is naturally trichroic, displaying three distinct colours: blue, violet, and brownish-burgundy. When heated (a standard industry process), the brownish axis is removed to permanently enhance its signature deep blue and rich violet hues, leaving cut tanzanite strongly dichroic. Because Tanzanite radiates this astonishing array of hues, it is considered one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena.

From light blues and lilacs to deep indigos and violets, tanzanite comes in a wide spectrum of exceptional colours. The more vibrant hues are found in larger stones, whereas pastel colours are found in smaller stones.

Tanzanite’s Discovery

While most precious gemstones have histories thousands of years old, the discovery of rare Tanzanite is a relatively new one in comparison. Tanzanite was produced roughly 585 million years ago, but it was only discovered very recently. According to local legend, a Maasai tribesman, Ali Juuyawatu, came across the blue, transparent crystal on the ground in 1967.

At first, it was believed that a new sapphire deposit had been found; however, it was quickly established that a completely new gemstone had been discovered.

Following the launch of a large advertising campaign to educate the public about the discovery of Tanzanite, this previously unknown gemstone became a highly fashionable and sought-after jewel. The American Gem Trade Association designated tanzanite as a new birthstone for December in 2002, demonstrating the stone’s enormous popularity.

Tanzanite Gemstone Formation & Structure

Tanzanite forms in sausage-shaped structures called boudins. Boudins are strained pegmatitic veins that have broken down into smaller fragments, and small pockets of Tanzanite stones can be found inside them. Not every boudin produces tanzanite, and many of those which do include low-grade material that isn’t suitable for jewellery.

The presence of trace amounts of vanadium and chromium in Tanzanite’s structure gives it its distinctive purple-blue colour, and the pleochroism in tanzanite is so powerful that it can be seen without a dichroscope by just spinning the stone and looking at it in different directions.

Most Tanzanite is now carefully mined by hand to avoid damage to the precious little supply earth has given us. It is vital to remember that tanzanite measures between 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and is therefore not a very hard gemstone. As a result, Tanzanite is more susceptible to scratches and damage and is better suited to dress jewellery, as it may not be the best stone to wear in an everyday piece.

Like any natural material, the intensity of Tanzanite’s crystal blue colour varies from stone to stone. Some are mesmerised by the cool blue stones, while others are transfixed by the unusual blue-violet hue of the gemstone. Whatever your choice, the highest quality Tanzanite is available to you in various cuts and settings: from elegant, classical styles to more modern designs for the discerning investor.

Timeless elegance with antique charm! These stunning white gold drop earrings feature vibrant oval Tanzanites surrounded by dazzling diamond halos and delicate milgrain detailing.

Rare Tanzanite Care

• Clean Tanzanite by using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm soapy water. Rinse after cleaning and dry with a soft cloth.

• It is not advised to wear Tanzanite when you are busy with vigorous activities. Rather, adorn yourself with Tanzanite jewellery for special occasions.

• Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7 (unlike emerald, which measures 7.5 to 8) and possesses perfect cleavage; take care when having bench repairs done on your tanzanite jewellery, as sudden extreme temperature changes can cause thermal shock and crack the stone.

• Tanzanite will scratch when in contact with hard objects. Separate jewellery boxes or pouches for storage are recommended.

• A general rule with fine jewellery is to remove your pieces when working with household cleaning chemicals, detergents, or harsh liquids. While pure water does not affect tanzanite, chemical agents and sudden temperature changes can dull or damage the setting and stone.

Rare Tanzanite from Mark Solomon Jewellers

Due to limited supply, Tanzanite is a unique, personal statement of style and beauty. Only a privileged few will ever possess this valuable and exciting discovery of the Twentieth Century. Mark Solomon Jewellers offer a range of Rare Tanzanite jewellery, from rings to bracelets, as well as loose Tanzanite stones. We’re confident you’ll find the most gorgeous African tanzanites for sale at our Cape Town showroom.

Mark Solomon is a renowned Cape Town manufacturing jeweller as well as an award-winning Cape Town jewellery designer and takes much pride in turning a design into an exquisite reality within just a few days.