1. Rarity and Exclusivity
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth. Its only known source is in a small, 4-square-mile area at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa. This exclusive geographic origin makes Tanzanite 1,000 times rarer than diamonds, giving it an almost mythical status in the world of precious stones. The fact that it is only found in this single region means that Tanzanite is inherently limited in supply, which further increases its value and appeal.
2. Discovery and History
Although Tanzanite has been known for centuries, it was only formally discovered 550 years ago by Maasai tribesmen living near Mount Kilimanjaro. These tribesmen first came across the gem when they noticed the striking blue crystals emerging from the ground. However, it was in 1967 when the gemstone gained international attention. In 1968, Tiffany & Co., one of the world’s leading jewellers, signed an exclusive deal to become the largest distributor of Tanzanite, bringing the gemstone to the global stage. At the time, Tiffany & Co. marketed the stone as a new, "precious" gem, highlighting its rare beauty and distinctive colour, and the gemstone became known as "Tanzanite"—a name derived from the country where it was found. Previously, it was called Zoisite (a name that is still used for the mineral family to which Tanzanite belongs), but the renaming helped solidify its unique identity in the world of fine gems.
3. Gemstone Care
Tanzanite is a delicate gemstone, with a hardness rating of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is softer than many other gemstones, including diamonds. It should be handled with care to avoid scratching or chipping. It’s particularly vulnerable to heat, so it’s important to avoid exposing Tanzanite to high temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods. This could cause discolouration or damage to the gem. Because of its relative softness, it’s also not recommended to clean Tanzanite in an ultrasonic cleaner. To protect the stone and keep it in optimal condition, store Tanzanite jewellery separately from other pieces to avoid scratches. Additionally, clean it gently with a soft cloth and mild soap solution, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
4. Beware of Synthetic Tanzanite
While Tanzanite’s rarity and desirability have made it a favourite in the gem market, it has also led to the rise of synthetic versions of the stone. Synthetic Tanzanite—gemstones that are manufactured in laboratories to mimic the appearance of natural Tanzanite—are becoming increasingly common. It’s important for consumers to be aware of this and purchase Tanzanite from reputable sources (us) that can guarantee the authenticity of the gemstone.
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Why Choose JQV for Tanzanite? ✨
When shopping for Tanzanite, as with all Gemstones, it is important to go with a Gemstone seller who you trust. All JQV Gemstones Tanzanite are ethically sourced, and we guarantee natural origin on all our Tanzanite stones. Have a browse at our online collection, but remember we have 100,000's of products in stock and our entire collection is not yet available online, if you have a particular size, colour or shape in mind simply get in touch with us!