Tanzanite is found in the shadows of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the only commercial source for the gemstone. In 1967, an Indian tailor prospecting for gems as a hobby discovered the gem. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The gem is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from purplish blue to a pure blue.

Tanzanite has been designated as an alternate birthstone for the month of December, but gem aficionados born in other months also enjoy its charm and beauty.

Tanzanite Facts:

• Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral species called zoisite.
• Some rare gem zoisites may be brown, pink or green.
• Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.0-7.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
• Some Tanzanites are carved or sculpted by famous lapidary artists.
• It is only found in one place on earth, Tanzania.

Tanzanite Treatment:

• Most tanzanite is routinely heat treated, which causes a change of color in the rough material from brown, purple or grey to a deep blue, blue-purple or purple-blue. Information about any stone known to be treated should be disclosed to the buyer.

Synthetic Tanzanite:

• There are no manufacturers of man-made tanzanite, though convincing simulants exist. That means that while a simulant looks like tanzanite, it does not share the same chemical, physical or optical characteristics.

Tanzanite Care and Cleaning:

• Tanzanites are somewhat delicate and should be worn with care.
• To minimize scratching and wear, store each piece of fine jewelry separately in a soft cloth or padded container.
• Tanzanites should never be put in an ultrasonic cleaner or steam-cleaned.
• The safest way to clean tanzanite jewelry is to use warm, sudsy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
• Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.