Tanzanite Gemstone : Meaning, Properties and History
If you were fortunate enough to be born in the month of December, you are one of the lucky few with this magnificent gemstone as your birthstone. A thousand times rarer than Diamond, the ultimate blue gemstone.
“The most beautiful stone to be discovered in 2000 years.” Harry Platt, president of Tiffany and Co.
Discovered on the foot hills of the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro in East Africa’s Tanzania and named by Tiffany & Co. after the county of its discovery. This gorgeous blue gemstone has taken the world by storm.
A very special and truly unique gemstone. Forming over 500 years ago under extreme geological conditions considered to be totally unique and only found within a very small area on the foothills of this spectacular mountain, the chances of it being discovered anywhere else is less than “one in a million”. This, combined with the likelihood of Tanzanite running out completely in the near future, all contributes to the stone’s appeal.
Tanzanite gemstone has become incredibly popular since its discovery in 1967 and is now the second fastest selling colored gemstone after Sapphire. It joined Zircon and Turquoise as the birthstone for December in 2002, the first gemstone to be added to the official birthstone list since 1912.
Initially Tanzanite was purchased as a substitute for blue Sapphire since it was cheaper, but now Tanzanite stands firmly in the gem and jewelry market on its own.
The Legend Behind Tanzanite
Legend has it that the spectacular landscape below the towering heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro was set alight by lightning and the heat from this “magic fire” transformed the dull brown crystals on the surface into bright shards of violet/blue gems. The local Maasai tribesmen discovered these striking blue shards whilst walking through the smoke and ashes after the fire ebbed and have since believed that these magical stones will bring them an enriched life.
Did you know that Tanzanite was heated?
As mentioned above, Tanzanite naturally is a reddish brown color, it is routinely heated to 600 degrees centigrade to remove this color axis and bring out the wonderful blue and violet hues.
Tanzanite The Mood Changer
Tanzanite has one other unique attribute up its sleeve - it is the only gemstone that it is trichroic. Meaning that it has three color axes (angles), blue, purple and reddish brown. Depending on which angle the Tanzanite crystal is viewed at and under which light source the gem will appear a different color. This is why in the evening, under incandescent light (yellow light), the more purple and red hues will stand out and the ‘red flash’ that you so often hear being described in fine Tanzanite is viewed.
Tanzanite Color
Tanzanite ranges in color from pale lavender with light blue hues to an incredibly rich velvety cornflower blue with vivid violet/purple hues. Most Tanzanite that you see set into jewelry in your mall jewelry stores are the more pastel, lighter colored Tanzanite. The finest Tanzanite, are those that are a velvety, deeply saturated violet/blue color and compare easily to the finest Kashmir Blue Sapphire – think Kate Middleton’s gorgeous Sapphire and Diamond engagement ring.
Tanzanite benefits
Mystery and majesty sit at the heart of the Tanzanite gemstone. Thanks to high vibrations and high energy, this gem can bring you into a sense of deep meditation and divine healing. Tanzanite not only helps us to find our sweet inner calm and clears out old patterns, but it also sets us up to open our minds and our hearts to any psychic abilities we have. Connecting with the universe and nurturing clairvoyant and cosmic possibilities helps us to recover and rekindle our own power. Take a look at all the ways that Tanzanite can stimulate joy, balance, and higher purpose.
Physical healing
Tanzanite is an awesome immune booster. This gemstone encourages regeneration meaning that skin, hair, and cells can all find their perfect flush of health once more. The soft indigo gem is also a good stone to have close by if you are recovering from an illness or medical procedure. The gorgeous violet light gem infuses you with strength and also helps the body detox and can be used as a talisman or amulet for those who are trying to overcome dependency issues on alcohol or anything else. Finally, thanks to that gentle serene joy, Tanzanite can help with issues of stress, nerves, migraines, and other tension related issues.
Emotional healing
Feed your soul all the pleasure that you deserve and let the Tanzanite stone shine down its love on you. This beautiful radiant gemstone is all about letting worries melt away. It does this by reminding us that we can be drivers in our own lives and that we aren’t powerless when it comes to the choices we make. It instills a quiet sense of ownership and confidence - one that doesn’t have to be big and showy but can be authentic, centered, and heart connected. With all of this, it also helps us to overcome fear, let go of worries we may have been clutching to the chest, and moves us through the idea of crisis with ease.
Birthstone Month and Zodiac
Whispering with the fierce beauty and raw power of winter winds and velvet clear solstice skies, the Tanzanite gemstone is a December birthstone. Suited beautifully to all those born under the banner of Sagittarius, Tanzanite can help those centaur types to let their strengths shine and to overcome any areas that may be holding them back. Sagittarians are loyal, kind, and highly intelligent beings and Tanzanite keeps all of the above ticking nicely. This stone ensures that they stay open-hearted, generous, thoughtful, and connected to their own internal desires and dreams. Sagittarians find huge value in living their truth and Tanzanite makes sure that they continue to follow the threads of their truth so they can always find their way home to the body.
Types of Tanzanite Jewelry
Tanzanite jewelry comes in a stunning variety of designs, each highlighting the gemstone’s deep blue-violet glow in its own unique way.
1. Tanzanite Rings
Tanzanite rings are among the most sought-after choices, especially for engagement rings and anniversary gifts. They come in several beautiful styles, such as solitaire Tanzanite rings, which feature a single central stone for a classic, timeless look, and halo Tanzanite rings, where tiny diamonds frame the gemstone and amplify its brilliance.
2. Tanzanite Earrings
Tanzanite earrings are adored for their vibrant sparkle and versatility, making them suitable for both everyday wear and more glamorous events. Popular options include Tanzanite stud earrings, which offer a small but elegant pop of color—perfect for daily styling.
3. Tanzanite Necklaces
Tanzanite necklaces hold a special charm, bringing the gemstone close to the heart and making it one of the most meaningful jewelry pieces. A solitaire Tanzanite pendant is simple yet sophisticated, while halo pendants add brilliance with a ring of diamonds around the stone.
4. Tanzanite Bracelets
Tanzanite bracelets offer a more delicate, refined way to enjoy this mesmerizing gemstone. The most iconic style is the Tanzanite tennis bracelet, often paired with diamonds to create a continuous line of brilliance—nothing short of classic luxury.
Final Thoughts
Tanzanite is a powerful and positive stone. It has big work to do but it isn’t interested in making you carry a heavy load while doing that work. Instead, Tanzanite wants you to become lighter, softer, and more attuned to who you are. When we walk in the sparkling rays of truth, when our wisdom holds us in place, and when we stay surrounded in sweet and calm joy, we can achieve amazing things.
