Tanzanite semiprecious gemstone index and mineral information

Found in Tanzania deep within the Mererani mines, Tanzanite was first discovered back in the year 1967. This zoisite variety, which was first introduced by Tiffany & Co out of New York State, reflects the colors of a violet blue and happens to be quite a popular gemstone.

Perhaps its most notable feature is it’s very strong trichroism. This is the substance that allows the Tanzanite to reflect its different colors when being observed from the various angles. This occurs when it comes in contact with polarized light.

This gemstone, which is typically heat treated, will lose its greenish tones and appear more of a deep color of blue when treated as such, making Tanzanite even more attractive. Often times, this gemstone is mistaken with several others including sapphire, iolite, amethyst, spinel, and even synthetic corundum.

However, in order to determine if the gemstone is truly Tanzanite, this gemstone in its truest form is trichroic and will reflect three colors. These three colors or tones will include blue, a little bit of violet, and flashes of either red or pink when moved around and exposed to natural light. As it is moved from side to side, the color intensity should remain the same. Other gemstones which it may be mistaken for will not do this.

While these three colors are found in the most popular variety, there is also a green selection of the Tanzanite, which technically is referred to as Green Zoisite.

Considered a commercial player within the market of Tanzanite, this gemstone is considered to be extraordinary and is a very desirable gemstone throughout the world. The name, coming from Tanzania, a country within East Africa, is where this gemstone can be found. It is because this gem is so highly prized, that you will find Tanzanite referred to as an investment. This is because within the gemstone kingdom, Tanzanite is extremely unique.

In appreciation of such a rarity, consider that over 500 million years ago, Vanadium, along with various other chemicals within the ground, came together while requiring certain heat and pressure levels. This formation then led to this beautiful gemstone, and the chances of this occurring within a different location of the world, is not very likely. Since this occurrence, Tanzanite is economically considered to be a feasible and potential positive investment. As the demand increases and the supply shrinks, there is a growing advantage when purchasing this favorable gemstone.