Tanzanite

Tanzanite feels like something from another world—radiating deep purples, electric blues, and flashes of violet that shift as you move the stone. Its pleochroism gives it a dynamic, living quality, and no two pieces are ever quite the same.

We also love how unique it is—not just in colour, but in its story. It’s only found in one small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and supplies are finite. This makes every tanzanite we source feel a little bit magical—perfect for those who want something truly rare and unforgettable.

Tanzanite owes its captivating colour to the presence of vanadium, a rare element that interacts with the zoisite mineral during formation. When these crystals are exposed to heat—either naturally underground or through controlled heat treatment—their colours shift from a more muted brownish hue to the vivid blue-violet tones that make tanzanite so treasured today.

This transformation is permanent and stable, and heat treatment is standard practice in the industry. The resulting colours range from delicate cornflower blue to rich indigo, with flashes of violet or purple depending on how the stone is cut and viewed. Tanzanite’s unique optical quality, known as pleochroism, means that it can appear to change colour depending on the angle of light—adding to its magical appeal.

Like many gemstones, tanzanite’s value is closely tied to its colour. The most desirable stones display a rich, velvety blue-violet tone, with minimal grey or brown undertones. Here’s a breakdown of the typical colour grading:

– Deep, saturated blue with strong violet overtones; excellent clarity. Very rare and highly valuable.

– Medium to deep blue with visible violet hues. Still striking and high-quality, but more accessible.

– Lighter blue with a more noticeable purple tint; often smaller in size or with some visible inclusions.

– Paler stones, often with noticeable inclusions or brownish undertones. These can still be beautiful, but are less valuable.

Pleochroism plays a role in grading too—well-cut tanzanite should show a dynamic range of colours depending on the angle it’s viewed from. A skilled lapidary will orient the stone during cutting to enhance its most vibrant face, often sacrificing carat weight in favour of exceptional colour.

Tanzanite is one of the newest discoveries in the gemstone world. First found in only 1967 in Tanzania! It quickly captured hearts with its vivid colours and remarkable scarcity. Legend has it that Maasai tribesmen were the first to notice the sparkling blue stones after a lightning storm set fire to the surrounding grasslands—exposing the now-famous gem.

Since then, tanzanite has become a favourite among jewellery lovers and collectors alike. It's said to uplift the spirit, calm the mind, and help the wearer navigate change with clarity and confidence. Some even believe its calming energy can open the heart and encourage generosity and friendship.

Tanzanite may be a relatively hard stone (6.5–7 on the Mohs scale), but it’s also somewhat brittle, meaning it can chip or fracture if knocked against a hard surface. To keep your tanzanite looking its best:

- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners – these can damage the stone.

- Use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush to clean your gem gently.

- Store separately in a soft pouch or lined box to avoid scratches from harder stones.

- Take care when designing jewellery with tanzanite for everyday wear – especially rings. Tanzanite is best suited for occasional wear or in protective settings for daily jewellery.