Tanzanite is one of the most fascinating modern gemstone discoveries. Known for its striking blue-to-violet color, this rare variety of zoisite has a remarkable story that begins in northern Tanzania near Mount Kilimanjaro. Although blue zoisite from Tanzania was identified in the early 1960s, the commercially significant discovery of tanzanite is generally dated to 1967, when crystals were found in the Merelani Hills.
Within a short time, the gemstone attracted international attention. Tiffany & Co. recognized its potential, named it tanzanite in honor of Tanzania, and helped introduce it to the international jewelry market in 1968. Today, tanzanite is treasured for its blue-violet beauty, fascinating pleochroism, limited geographic origin, and status as a December birthstone.
In this guide, discover the origin and history of tanzanite, how and where it was discovered, why Tiffany & Co. played such an important role in its story, what gives tanzanite its distinctive appearance, and what you should know before choosing tanzanite jewelry.
What Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is the blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It is commercially mined in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Its restricted geographic source is one of the characteristics that distinguishes tanzanite from many other well-known colored gemstones.
Tanzanite can display shades ranging from violet-blue and blue-violet to violet-purple. One of its most fascinating optical properties is pleochroism, which means the gemstone can show different colors when viewed from different crystal directions.
If you want to understand the gemstone in greater detail, explore our Tanzanite Education Guide.
Tanzanite Facts at a Glance
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Where Does Tanzanite Come From?
Tanzanite is commercially mined in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This geographically restricted origin has become an important part of the gemstone's identity and story.
It is sometimes incorrectly stated that tanzanite comes directly from Mount Kilimanjaro. A more accurate description is that the commercially important deposits are located in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Unlike gemstones that are commercially mined across several countries and continents, tanzanite is closely associated with this particular region of Tanzania. This unique origin ultimately inspired the name by which the gemstone is known today.
When Was Tanzanite Discovered?
The commercially significant discovery of tanzanite is generally dated to 1967. Blue stones from Tanzania had been identified as zoisite several years earlier, in 1962, but it was in 1967 that the primary source associated with the modern tanzanite story was located in the Merelani area.
This distinction is important because references to the early 1960s and 1967 can otherwise appear contradictory. The earlier date relates to the identification of blue zoisite in Tanzania, while 1967 represents the discovery that led to tanzanite's emergence as an internationally recognized gemstone.
Who Discovered Tanzanite?
The discovery story has several historical figures associated with it. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) credits Maasai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu with finding the first tanzanite crystal. Historical accounts also describe a Maasai tribesman alerting prospector Manuel d'Souza to unusual transparent blue-to-violet crystals in the Merelani area in 1967.
D'Souza initially believed the crystals might be sapphire. Further examination revealed that they were instead a transparent blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite. D'Souza subsequently registered mining claims in the area, and interest in the newly recognized gemstone rapidly expanded.
Why Is It Called Tanzanite?
Tanzanite was named after Tanzania, the country where the gemstone was discovered and commercially mined. Tiffany & Co. recognized the gemstone's potential and introduced the name “tanzanite” to help establish a distinctive identity for the blue-violet zoisite in the jewelry market.
The name created a direct association between the gemstone and its extraordinary East African origin—a connection that remains central to the story of tanzanite today.
How Tiffany & Co. Helped Make Tanzanite Famous
Tiffany & Co. played an important role in transforming a newly discovered mineral variety into an internationally recognized gemstone.
After recognizing its commercial potential, Tiffany & Co. became an important distributor and launched a major promotional campaign for tanzanite in 1968. Its vivid blue-violet appearance, transparency and ability to produce impressive faceted gemstones helped tanzanite attract attention from jewelry designers, gem professionals and consumers.
Within a remarkably short period after its discovery, tanzanite had progressed from an unfamiliar variety of zoisite to one of the best-known modern colored gemstones.
Tanzanite History Timeline
1962 — Blue Zoisite Identified in Tanzania
Blue stones found in Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite, establishing an important early chapter in the gemstone's scientific history.
1967 — The Tanzanite Discovery Story Begins
The commercially significant discovery associated with modern tanzanite took place in the Merelani area of northern Tanzania. Maasai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu is credited by GIA with finding the first tanzanite crystal.
1967 — Mining Claims Are Registered
Prospector Manuel d'Souza became associated with the newly discovered deposit and registered mining claims in the area.
1968 — Tiffany & Co. Promotes Tanzanite
Tiffany & Co. helped introduce the gemstone to an international audience and promoted it under the name “tanzanite,” referencing its country of origin.
Today — A Celebrated December Birthstone
Tanzanite is now recognized as a December birthstone and is also associated with the 24th wedding anniversary.
Why Is Tanzanite Considered Rare?
Tanzanite is notable because its commercial production is associated with a very limited geographic area in northern Tanzania. This single-source characteristic distinguishes it from gemstones that have commercially important deposits in multiple countries.
Claims that tanzanite will completely “run out” by a particular year should be treated cautiously. Estimates of mine life and remaining resources can change as mining conditions, exploration, technology and geological information develop. It is therefore more accurate to focus on tanzanite's restricted geographic source rather than promise a specific depletion date or future price increase.
What Does Tanzanite Symbolize?
Tanzanite is often associated with transformation, new beginnings, communication and emotional connection. Its relatively recent discovery and distinctive blue-violet appearance have helped inspire modern symbolic interpretations.
In crystal and spiritual traditions, tanzanite may also be associated with intuition, awareness, calmness and personal growth. These are cultural or spiritual beliefs rather than scientifically established medical effects. Tanzanite should not be considered a treatment or cure for any medical condition.
What Gives Tanzanite Its Blue-Violet Color?
Tanzanite is celebrated for a color range that can include blue, violet-blue, blue-violet and violet-purple. Richly saturated blue-to-violet gemstones are particularly admired, although lighter pastel tanzanites can have their own delicate beauty.
The appearance of a tanzanite can change according to the stone's orientation, cut and lighting. This is partly because of a fascinating optical property called pleochroism.
What Is Pleochroism in Tanzanite?
Pleochroism is the ability of a gemstone to display different colors when viewed from different crystal directions. Tanzanite is particularly well known for this property.
As a tanzanite is tilted or viewed from different angles, combinations of blue and violet may become more noticeable. This also means that the way a rough tanzanite crystal is oriented and cut can significantly influence the dominant face-up color of the finished gemstone.
Is Tanzanite Naturally Blue?
Some tanzanite can display natural blue coloration, but much of the tanzanite available in the jewelry market is heat-treated. Untreated material is commonly brownish, and controlled heating can develop the blue-to-violet colors associated with the gemstone.
Heat treatment of tanzanite is widely recognized within the gemstone trade. According to GIA, the treatment is stable under normal wearing conditions and is routinely used to modify predominantly brownish material to a predominantly blue-to-purple appearance.
How Is Tanzanite Quality Evaluated?
When comparing tanzanite, buyers commonly consider color, clarity, cut and carat weight. These characteristics interact with one another, so a gemstone should be evaluated as a whole rather than judged by a single factor.
Tanzanite Color
Color is one of the most noticeable quality characteristics of tanzanite. Strongly saturated violet-blue and blue-violet stones are highly valued, while lighter colors are generally more available.
There is no need to divide every tanzanite into an artificial four-color system. Tanzanite occurs across a range of blue, violet and purple appearances, and its pleochroism can cause more than one hue to be visible in the same faceted gemstone.
Tanzanite Clarity
Many faceted tanzanites used in fine jewelry are eye-clean, meaning obvious inclusions cannot be seen without magnification. Eye-visible inclusions can affect appearance and value, particularly if they reduce transparency.
Fractures and other inclusions that could affect durability deserve additional attention. When purchasing tanzanite, look beyond whether an inclusion is visible and consider whether it may influence the structural integrity of the stone.
Tanzanite Cut
Tanzanite can be fashioned into numerous shapes, including oval, cushion, round, pear, emerald and other fancy cuts. You can learn more about individual gemstone shapes in our guides to round-cut gemstones, princess-cut gemstones and oval-cut gemstones.
Cut is especially interesting in tanzanite because its pleochroism means crystal orientation can influence the face-up balance of blue and violet. A skilled cutter must consider beauty, proportions, color and retention of the original rough.
Tanzanite Carat Weight
Carat measures weight, not quality. A tanzanite does not have to weigh more than 5 carats to be genuine, precious or beautiful.
However, deeper and more strongly saturated colors are often easier to observe in larger tanzanites, while smaller stones can display lighter coloration. A buyer should therefore consider carat weight together with color, cut and clarity rather than using size alone as an indicator of quality.
How Hard Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite ranks approximately 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It can be worn in many types of jewelry, but it requires more thoughtful care than harder gemstones such as sapphire or diamond.
Tanzanite also has cleavage and fair-to-poor toughness, meaning a hard impact can potentially damage the stone. This is particularly important when choosing tanzanite for a ring because rings are generally more exposed to knocks and everyday contact than earrings or pendants.
For a tanzanite ring intended for frequent wear, consider a setting that offers the gemstone additional protection and remove the ring before strenuous activities.
Is Tanzanite a December Birthstone?
Yes. Tanzanite is one of the birthstones associated with December. Its vivid cool-toned appearance makes it a distinctive choice for December birthday jewelry, alongside other gemstones traditionally associated with the month.
Tanzanite is also recognized as a gemstone associated with the 24th wedding anniversary, giving it significance beyond birthday jewelry.
Popular Types of Tanzanite Jewelry
Tanzanite's combination of blue and violet makes it suitable for many jewelry styles. Because its durability requires some consideration, the best design can depend on how and how often the piece will be worn.
Tanzanite Rings
Tanzanite rings highlight the gemstone's distinctive color close to the hand, where its changing blue and violet appearance can be easily appreciated. Because tanzanite is softer and less tough than some traditional ring gemstones, protective settings can be especially helpful for frequently worn pieces.
Tanzanite Engagement Rings
For couples looking beyond traditional colorless stones, tanzanite engagement rings offer an unusual blue-violet alternative. Tanzanite's associations with transformation, connection and new beginnings can also make it meaningful for an engagement.
Because an engagement ring may be worn frequently, consider a protective setting and avoid exposing tanzanite to hard knocks or rough activities.
Tanzanite Earrings
Tanzanite earrings are an attractive option because earrings are generally less exposed to knocks and abrasion than rings. Their position near the face can also allow the gemstone's blue-violet color to complement both everyday and occasion wear.
Explore different jewelry styles in our collection of earrings.
Tanzanite Necklaces and Pendants
A tanzanite pendant places the gemstone in a relatively protected position while keeping its distinctive color visible. Tanzanite necklaces can also make thoughtful gifts for December birthdays, anniversaries and other meaningful occasions.
Browse our necklaces to discover additional styles.
Tanzanite Bracelets
Tanzanite bracelets can showcase multiple gemstones or use tanzanite as a distinctive focal point. As bracelets can encounter surfaces during wear, they should be treated carefully to help protect the gemstones from impact.
Explore our collection of bracelets for more inspiration.
How to Care for Tanzanite Jewelry
Tanzanite can retain its beauty for years when worn and cleaned with appropriate care.
- Clean with warm, soapy water: Use a mild soap and gently clean the jewelry rather than using aggressive cleaning methods.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners: Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended for tanzanite.
- Avoid steam cleaning: Steam cleaners are also not recommended.
- Protect it from hard blows: Tanzanite's cleavage and moderate hardness mean impacts can potentially damage it.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: Extreme or sudden temperature changes can pose a risk to the gemstone.
- Store carefully: Keep tanzanite jewelry separated from harder gemstones that could scratch it.
- Remove during rough activities: Take tanzanite rings and bracelets off before exercise, household work or other activities where the jewelry may receive an impact.
How Can You Judge Tanzanite Quality Before Buying?
When choosing tanzanite, compare the gemstone's color, clarity, cut and carat weight rather than focusing on size alone. Look for a lively cut, an appealing balance of blue and violet, and clarity appropriate for the size and design.
For a deeper buying-focused explanation, read our guide on how to judge quality in tanzanite.
Celebrate Every Moment with Tanzanite Rings
Discover the captivating blue-violet beauty of tanzanite rings, crafted to showcase the gemstone’s distinctive color and timeless appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzanite
Where was tanzanite discovered?
Tanzanite's commercially important source was discovered in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. The area remains closely associated with commercial tanzanite production.
When was tanzanite discovered?
Blue zoisite from Tanzania was identified in 1962, while the commercially significant tanzanite discovery associated with the Merelani deposit is generally dated to 1967.
Who discovered tanzanite?
GIA credits Maasai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu with finding the first tanzanite crystal. The discovery story is also closely associated with prospector Manuel d'Souza, who registered mining claims after being shown unusual crystals in the Merelani area.
Why is tanzanite called tanzanite?
The gemstone was named tanzanite in honor of Tanzania, its country of origin. Tiffany & Co. played a major role in establishing and promoting the name internationally.
Is tanzanite found anywhere outside Tanzania?
Tanzanite is commercially associated with the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. This extremely restricted geographic source is one of the gemstone's most distinctive characteristics.
Is tanzanite rarer than diamond?
Tanzanite has a much more geographically restricted commercial source than diamond because its commercial production is concentrated in one small region of Tanzania. Rather than relying on unsupported numerical claims about how many times “rarer” it is, its single-source origin provides a clearer way to understand its geological rarity.
Is tanzanite naturally blue?
Some tanzanite can show naturally developed blue coloration, but much of the material entering the jewelry market is initially brownish and is routinely heat-treated to develop its familiar blue-to-violet appearance.
Is heat-treated tanzanite real?
Yes. Heat treatment does not make natural tanzanite synthetic. Heating is a widely recognized treatment used to modify the gemstone's color. Buyers should distinguish a gemstone's natural origin from any treatments it has received.
How hard is tanzanite?
Tanzanite measures approximately 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be worn in jewelry, but it requires care because it is not as hard or tough as gemstones such as sapphire or diamond.
Can tanzanite be worn every day?
Tanzanite can be worn in jewelry with proper precautions, but rings worn every day require particular care. Protective settings can help, and tanzanite jewelry should be removed before activities that may expose it to hard impacts.
How should tanzanite be cleaned?
Warm, soapy water is a safe choice for cleaning tanzanite. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and protect the gemstone from sudden temperature changes and hard blows.
Is tanzanite a December birthstone?
Yes. Tanzanite is recognized as a December birthstone. It is also associated with the 24th wedding anniversary.
Final Thoughts on Tanzanite's Origin and History
Few gemstones have risen to international recognition as quickly as tanzanite. From its discovery in northern Tanzania in the 1960s to Tiffany & Co.'s 1968 promotional campaign, the gemstone has developed an extraordinary identity within the world of colored gems.
Its appeal comes from more than color alone. Tanzanite combines a geographically restricted origin, fascinating pleochroism, blue-to-violet beauty and a relatively modern history. Understanding these characteristics can help you appreciate not only how tanzanite looks, but also why its discovery became such an important chapter in modern gemstone history.
If you're considering tanzanite jewelry, learn how color, clarity, cut and carat weight influence its appearance in our guide to judging tanzanite quality, or explore our collection of tanzanite rings.
Sources & Further Reading
Gemological information in this guide has been reviewed against educational resources from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), including its Tanzanite Gem Encyclopedia, Tanzanite History and Lore, Tanzanite Quality Factors, and Tanzanite Care and Cleaning guidance.
- GIA: Tanzanite Gem Encyclopedia
- GIA: Tanzanite History and Lore
- GIA: Tanzanite Quality Factors
- GIA: Tanzanite Care and Cleaning Guide