The extremely valuable blue gemstone
overview
- Naming : Variation of its country of origin Tanzania, where it was first discovered in the 1970s.
- Mineral group: Tanzanite is a blue variety of the mineral zoisite. At the time of the discovery of tanzanite, zoisite had already been known for over 100 years, but until then it only existed in green coloration.
- Color : Tanzanite is pleochroic, which means that each tanzanite has three colors. Depending on the angle of view, the gemstone appears in blue, purple-red and greenish-yellow brown (bronze). The most popular tanzanite is a sapphire blue, which tends towards the violet of amethyst under certain lighting.
- Cut : Due to its fascinating blue color spectrum, tanzanite is one of the best-selling colored gemstones of all time. However, it is a thousand times rarer than a diamond and is therefore an extremely valuable speciality.
Quality factors
Color
The color of the Tahitian pearl is crucial for its value. Dark pearls are particularly popular because they are very rare.
carat
The weight of a gemstone is given in carats - 0.2 grams equals 1 carat. The value of a gemstone is determined by the carat number, among other things, but other quality factors such as color, clarity and cut are also important.
purity
Tanzanite usually has an above-average purity and, due to its flawless transparency, unfolds a breathtaking shine and a magnificent play of light.
cut
Tanzanites are available in a wide range of different cuts, but cushion and oval cuts are the most common
Pleochroism
The phenomenon of pleochroism makes tanzanite particularly attractive: depending on the angle of view and the incidence of light, tanzanite displays a strong blue to purple play of colors. It has three colors: blue, a purple red and a greenish-yellow brown (bronze), whereby the intensity of these colors depends on the respective viewing angle. Pleochrism can be so pronounced that the blue tanzanite sometimes even appears more brownish-yellow. Tanzanite, however, does not exhibit any fluorescence. By carefully heating the gemstone, small brown or yellowish color components of the raw crystal can be removed or the existing blue color can be intensified.
Special Stones
At the beginning of 2011, a tanzanite weighing 12,100 carats was found in a mine in the Simanjiroin district of Tanzania at a depth of 450 meters. This makes the 2.4 kg gemstone the third largest tanzanite ever found. The entire gemstone is estimated to be worth around 20 million euros. It will soon be cut into many small tanzanite stones.
Special occasions
birthstone
Along with zircon and blue topaz, tanzanite is considered the birthstone for December.
wedding anniversary
Traditionally, tanzanite is given as a gift on the 24th wedding anniversary.
occurrence of tanzanite
Tanzania
Tanzanite is only found in one region worldwide, just a few square kilometers in size - near the border between Kenya and Tanzania on the edge of Mount Kilimanjaro, not far from the city of Arusha. Tanzanite deposits have also been found in Pakistan, but these have only a slight color, which cannot be converted into blue-violet by firing.
jewelry with tanzanite
Tanzanite is a highly sought-after and valuable gemstone thanks to its color, a strong blue that is surrounded by purple depending on the light, and its outstanding shine and sparkle. Faceted, tanzanite is the crowning glory of any piece of jewelry. Be it as the highlight of a necklace, earrings or other jewelry.
Contact us for your individual tanzanite jewelry!
Tanzanite selection at RENÉSIM
Tanzanite is an extremely sought-after gemstone – its strong color and exceptional transparency make it a very special gemstone. At RENÉSIM you can get selected tanzanites in various cuts
jewelry collections
Buy gemstones
Gemstones in the Lexicon
Our values
