Tanzanite, a gemstone of striking blue to violet hues, holds a special place as the modern December birthstone. Discovered in the late 20th century, its unique coloration and limited geographic origin have made it a sought-after gemstone among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. As the newest addition to the December birthstone lineup—formally recognized in 2002—tanzanite has rapidly gained popularity, not only for its beauty but also for its rarity and cultural significance.
This article delves into the multifaceted world of tanzanite, exploring its geological origins, historical and cultural symbolism, gemological properties, and practical care tips. Through a detailed examination of its discovery, marketing, and enduring appeal, we uncover why this gem has captured the imagination of gemstone lovers around the world.
History and Lore
Tanzanite was first discovered in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania by a Maasai tribesman named Jumanne Ngoma in the late 1960s. The gem's initial discovery was serendipitous, as Ngoma stumbled upon the mineral while exploring the area. The crystals initially appeared to be sapphires due to their deep blue coloration, but further analysis by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) revealed that the stones were a previously unknown variety of zoisite. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the gemstone world.
The gemstone's journey to global recognition was spearheaded by Tiffany & Co., a renowned luxury jewelry brand. The marketing team at Tiffany faced a significant challenge in naming the gemstone. The initial name, "blue zoisite," was deemed too unmarketable due to its phonetic similarity to "blue suicide." To circumvent this issue, Tiffany chose to name the gem "tanzanite," a tribute to its country of origin, Tanzania. This strategic rebranding proved highly successful, and tanzanite quickly became a sensation in the world of fine jewelry.
Tanzanite was officially added to the list of December birthstones in 2002. Its inclusion was a significant milestone, as it expanded the traditional December birthstone list, which had long included turquoise, blue zircon, and blue topaz. The addition of tanzanite was met with enthusiasm, as its vibrant colors and unique properties set it apart from other December gems. Today, tanzanite not only serves as a December birthstone but is also associated with the 24th wedding anniversary, symbolizing enduring love and commitment.
The gemstone’s rarity further enhances its allure. Tanzanite is found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, making it one of the most geographically restricted gemstones in the world. This limited availability has contributed to its status as a collector’s gem and a symbol of exclusivity in the jewelry market.
Geological Formation and Sources
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, which has the chemical formula Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH). What makes tanzanite unique is its trichroic nature, meaning it can display three different colors—blue, purple, and brown—depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The gemstone's characteristic blue-violet coloration is the result of trace amounts of vanadium in its crystal structure. This vanadium content is responsible for the gem’s intense coloration and its ability to exhibit pleochroism, a property that allows it to appear different colors under different lighting conditions.
The formation of tanzanite is a rare geological event. It is believed to have been created under specific conditions deep within the Earth’s crust, where the combination of heat, pressure, and the presence of vanadium led to the development of the gemstone. These conditions are only found in a narrow region of the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, making tanzanite one of the most geographically restricted gemstones in the world. The Merelani Hills are part of the East African Rift system, a tectonic zone where the Earth's crust is slowly pulling apart. This geological activity has contributed to the formation of a variety of minerals, including tanzanite.
The mining of tanzanite is primarily carried out by local Tanzanian miners who work in small-scale operations. The gemstone is typically found in alluvial deposits, where it has been eroded from its original host rock and transported by water. This means that tanzanite is often found in secondary deposits, such as riverbeds and stream sediments, rather than in the primary rock formations where it was first created.
Despite its popularity, tanzanite is not as widely available as other gemstones. The limited supply and the gemstone’s exclusive geographic origin have led to concerns about its future availability. Some experts predict that tanzanite may become even more valuable in the coming decades as the remaining deposits are depleted. This scarcity has also led to the development of synthetic tanzanite, which is created in laboratories to mimic the appearance of natural tanzanite. However, synthetic tanzanite lacks the same rarity and natural beauty as its natural counterpart.
Gemological Properties
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This places it between orthoclase feldspar and quartz in terms of hardness, making it more susceptible to scratches and damage compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. Due to its relatively low hardness, tanzanite requires careful handling and is not recommended for use in jewelry that is subject to frequent wear or impact.
In terms of clarity, tanzanite is often found with inclusions, which are natural imperfections that form within the crystal structure. These inclusions can range from small mineral grains to larger fractures and are considered a characteristic feature of natural tanzanite. The presence of inclusions does not necessarily detract from the gemstone’s beauty, as they can add depth and character to the stone. However, tanzanite with fewer inclusions is generally more valuable, as it appears clearer and more vibrant.
Tanzanite is typically cut into faceted gemstones, with the most common cuts being the emerald cut, oval cut, and round cut. The emerald cut is particularly well-suited to tanzanite because it enhances the gemstone’s color and allows for a more even distribution of light. The oval cut is also popular, as it helps to reduce the visibility of inclusions and emphasizes the gemstone’s color. The round cut, while less common, can also be used to showcase tanzanite’s brilliance and fire.
The carat weight of tanzanite can vary widely, with larger stones being more rare and valuable. Tanzanite is often found in sizes ranging from 1 to 10 carats, although stones larger than 10 carats are extremely rare. The size of the gemstone is an important factor in its value, as larger stones are more difficult to find and more challenging to cut and polish.
Tanzanite is also known for its pleochroism, a property that allows it to display different colors when viewed from different angles. This means that a single tanzanite gemstone can appear blue, purple, or brown depending on the angle of observation. This property is particularly striking under natural light, where the gemstone can appear to shift in color as it is moved.
The refractive index of tanzanite is approximately 1.69 to 1.71, which means that it has a moderate level of light refraction. This contributes to the gemstone’s brilliance and sparkle, making it a popular choice for jewelry. However, due to its relatively low refractive index, tanzanite does not exhibit the same level of fire as gemstones like diamonds or zircons.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Tanzanite has been associated with a number of symbolic and metaphysical properties, many of which are rooted in its vibrant blue-violet coloration and its unique geological origin. In the world of gemstone therapy and New Age spirituality, tanzanite is often considered a stone of transformation, intuition, and emotional healing. It is believed to promote inner peace, enhance spiritual awareness, and facilitate communication between the physical and spiritual realms.
One of the most commonly attributed properties of tanzanite is its ability to enhance emotional balance and promote a sense of calm. The gemstone is said to help individuals release emotional blockages and let go of negative thoughts and energies. This makes it a popular choice for those who are seeking emotional healing or who are going through a period of transition or change.
Tanzanite is also associated with the third eye and crown chakras, which are believed to govern intuition, spiritual awareness, and connection to the divine. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to enhance these qualities and to promote a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe. Some practitioners believe that tanzanite can help individuals access higher states of consciousness and connect with their inner wisdom.
In addition to its spiritual properties, tanzanite is also believed to have physical healing benefits. It is said to support the immune system, promote healthy skin, and aid in the treatment of stress-related conditions. Some alternative medicine practitioners use tanzanite in crystal healing sessions to help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and other health issues.
While these metaphysical beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence, they continue to play an important role in the cultural and symbolic significance of tanzanite. Many people choose to wear tanzanite not only for its beauty but also for its perceived spiritual and emotional benefits. This has contributed to its popularity as a birthstone and as a meaningful gift for loved ones.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively low hardness and sensitivity to heat and light, tanzanite requires special care to maintain its beauty and longevity. The gemstone should be cleaned using mild soap and warm water, and a soft cloth should be used to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used with caution, but they may not be suitable for tanzanite due to its potential for cleavage and inclusions.
Tanzanite should be stored separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasions. It is best to store the gemstone in a soft cloth or padded container to protect it from physical damage. Exposure to high heat or direct sunlight should also be avoided, as this can cause the gemstone to fade or lose its color over time.
When wearing tanzanite jewelry, it is important to avoid activities that may cause impact or friction. Tanzanite is not recommended for use in jewelry that is subject to frequent wear or impact, such as rings or bracelets. Instead, it is better suited for earrings, pendants, and other types of jewelry that are less likely to be subjected to physical stress.
Professional cleaning and inspection by a qualified jeweler are recommended to ensure that tanzanite remains in optimal condition. A jeweler can help identify any potential issues, such as loose settings or damaged inclusions, and provide appropriate care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Tanzanite is a gemstone of remarkable beauty, rarity, and cultural significance. Its unique blue-violet coloration, trichroic nature, and limited geographic origin have made it a highly sought-after gemstone in the world of fine jewelry. Discovered in the late 1960s and officially recognized as a December birthstone in 2002, tanzanite has quickly become a symbol of elegance and exclusivity.
From its geological formation in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania to its marketing success under the Tiffany & Co. brand, tanzanite has captured the imagination of gemstone lovers around the world. Its association with emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and transformation further enhances its appeal, making it a meaningful choice for those born in December or seeking a gemstone with deep symbolic significance.
As a relatively soft gemstone with unique properties, tanzanite requires careful handling and maintenance to preserve its beauty. With proper care, however, it can be enjoyed for generations, serving as a lasting reminder of its enigmatic charm and enduring value.