Tanzanite Stone: Complete Buying Guide, Meanings, Properties & Facts

Looking for elegant and rare jewelry? Consider Tanzanite Stone. Its deep blue-violet hue and captivating shine have made it highly sought-after. Before you explore Tanzanite Stone, learn about its buying guide, meanings, properties, and unique facts.

Tanzanite Stone is a beautiful and rare gemstone that is highly sought after by jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. This article is your guide to learn more about its origin, significance, and characteristics.

This guide will tell you all you need to know about Tanzanite Stone, including its history, symbolism, colors, grading factors, and buying tips. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift, this article will help you make an informed decision and appreciate its beauty.

What is Tanzanite Stone?

Tanzanite stone is a rare blue gemstone that was discovered in Tanzania in 1967, known for its striking color and high refractive index. This exquisite stone is part of the zoisite mineral species and owes its vibrant blue hue to the presence of vanadium and other trace elements.

Tanzanite’s mesmerizing color ranges from deep indigo to pale lavender-blue, and it often exhibits pleochroism, displaying different colors when viewed from different angles. Its exceptional beauty has made tanzanite a popular choice for jewelry, especially as a substitute for sapphires or blue diamonds.

Tanzanite stone is an extraordinary gem known for its remarkable blue coloration and high refractive index. Its rarity contributes to its desirability among collectors and investors. 

Mystical Powers of Tanzanite Stone

Tanzanite is believed to possess various mystical powers and properties that can enhance one’s spiritual journey and well-being. Some of these include:

• Psychic abilities: Many believe that tanzanite can stimulate and expand psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance and intuition.
• Spiritual communication: Tanzanite is thought to facilitate clear communication with higher beings, allowing individuals to receive guidance and wisdom.
• Transformation: Tanzanite is believed to aid in personal transformation by assisting individuals in overcoming challenges and embracing positive changes.

These mystical properties make tanzanite a highly sought-after stone for those interested in harnessing its potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Healing Properties

Tanzanite is primarily appreciated for its beauty, some people also believe that tanzanite possesses certain healing properties. Here are some of the healing properties associated with tanzanite:

• Emotional Healing: Tanzanite is believed to have a calming and soothing effect on one’s emotions. It is said to help release stress, anxiety, and fear, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
• Physical Healing: Some people believe that tanzanite has physical healing properties as well. It is associated with supporting the immune system, improving overall vitality, and assisting in the recovery from illnesses or surgeries.

Chakra Association

Associated with the throat chakra, tanzanite’s deep blue-violet hue is believed to stimulate effective communication and facilitate the expression of one’s thoughts and ideas.

The throat chakra is associated with clear communication and self-expression, making tanzanite an ideal stone for those seeking to improve their ability to communicate effectively.

This gemstone is also said to enhance psychic abilities and promote spiritual growth by balancing the energy flow within the body. 

Tanzanite’s vibrational energy resonates with the throat chakra, promoting a sense of calmness, clarity, and confidence when expressing oneself.

It also aids in opening up one’s intuitive abilities, allowing for better understanding of oneself and others.

It is important to clean and recharge your chakra stone to ensure its continued strength and effectiveness. Please read our beginner’s guide on chakras to learn more about how to recharge and cleanse your tanzanite.

Zodiac Connection

When it comes to the tanzanite stone, its unique properties and deep blue color make it an ideal choice for individuals born under certain zodiac signs.

Tanzanite is associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius, which falls between November 22nd and December 21st. This gemstone is believed to enhance intuition, provide spiritual protection, and promote emotional stability for those born under this sign. Additionally, tanzanite is said to stimulate creativity and inspire new ideas in Sagittarians.

With its mesmerizing beauty and powerful energy, tanzanite is a popular choice for individuals seeking a meaningful connection to their zodiac sign. Whether worn as jewelry or kept close by in its raw form, this gemstone can serve as a personal talisman for those seeking alignment with their astrological influences.

Crystal Pairing and Combinations

Crystal pairing involves combining different gemstones to enhance their properties and create a harmonious energy balance. Tanzanite stone can amplify its metaphysical properties when paired with other crystals.

For instance, when combined with amethyst, tanzanite can enhance spiritual awareness and deepen meditation practices. Additionally, pairing tanzanite with clear quartz can increase its healing abilities and promote emotional well-being.

It is crucial to consider the specific meanings and properties of each crystal before creating a combination to ensure desired results are achieved. Experimenting with different crystal pairings provides an opportunity to harness unique energies and discover new ways to utilize the power of gemstones in daily life.

Formation and Science of Tanzanite

Geological analysis of tanzanite reveals a fascinating origin story, tracing back to its formation in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania over 585 million years ago.

This rare gemstone is formed through a process called metamorphism, where heat and pressure transform existing minerals into new ones. Tanzanite is specifically formed when blue zoisite undergoes this transformation.

The presence of vanadium within the rocks contributes to the unique blue-violet coloration that tanzanite is renowned for. Additionally, tanzanite is typically found in association with other minerals such as quartz, mica, and garnet.

The largest block of tanzanite ever discovered weighed an astounding 16,839 carats and was unearthed in Tanzania in 2005.

Physical Properties

Tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone that is known for its vibrant blue color. Here are some of its physical properties:

1. Color: Tanzanite is famous for its beautiful blue-violet hue. It can range from pale blue to intense violet-blue, with the most prized colors being deep blue with a hint of violet.
2. Crystal Structure: Tanzanite belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. It forms in prismatic crystals, which can be elongated or stubby, and often exhibit striations on the faces.
3. Hardness: Tanzanite has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively hard. However, it is less hard than some other gemstones like sapphire and ruby.
4. Cleavage: This gemstone has poor cleavage, meaning it tends to fracture rather than split along smooth planes. Its cleavage is usually not visible due to the gemstone’s faceted nature.
5. Transparency: Tanzanite is typically transparent, allowing light to pass through it. However, some stones may contain inclusions that can affect their transparency.
6. Refractive Index: The refractive index of tanzanite ranges from approximately 1.691 to 1.700. This property affects the gemstone’s ability to bend and reflect light, contributing to its brilliance and sparkle.
7. Specific Gravity: Tanzanite has a specific gravity of around 3.35 to 3.55, which helps differentiate it from other blue gemstones such as blue sapphire and aquamarine.
8. Pleochroism: Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, meaning it can exhibit different colors when viewed from different angles. Typically, it appears more blue when viewed from one direction and more violet when viewed from another.
9. Heat Sensitivity: Tanzanite is heat sensitive and can be damaged by sudden temperature changes or exposure to high heat. Extreme temperature variations should be avoided to preserve the stone’s quality.

However, Heat-treated tanzanite is commonly found in the market, as this process enhances the stone’s color and clarity.

These physical properties contribute to the unique appearance and desirability of tanzanite as a gemstone.

Tanzanite Buying Guide

When buying tanzanite, consider the color, check for flaws, look for nonconductive stones, and think about the importance of lithium-rich tanzanite. Tanzanite can show various colors when viewed from different angles, such as blue, violet, or burgundy, making it versatile and attractive.

To assist you in making informed decisions, we recommend reading our comprehensive value and buying guide for these beautiful gemstones, whether you are adding them to your collection or creating jewelry pieces.

What is the Most Valuable Tanzanite?

The most valuable color of Tanzanite is deep blue. Top-quality stones exhibit a rich and vibrant blue color, often described as vivid or intense. These exceptional specimens are highly coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike for their rarity and captivating beauty. 

Is There Lab-Created Tanzanite?

Lab-created tanzanite gemstones have become increasingly available in the market, offering a more affordable alternative to natural tanzanite while still maintaining their vibrant blue or violet color. These lab-grown stones possess the same chemical and physical properties as their natural counterparts.

Here are some key points about lab-created tanzanite:

• Cost-effective option: Lab-created tanzanites are generally less expensive than natural ones, making them an attractive choice for those looking for fancy color tanzanites without breaking the bank.
• Consistent quality: Since they are grown under controlled conditions, lab-created tanzanites tend to have a consistent quality and clarity.
• Ethical concerns: For individuals who prioritize ethical sourcing of gemstones, lab-grown tanzanites provide an alternative that avoids potential environmental or social issues associated with mining.
• Versatile usage: Lab-created tanzanites can be used in various high-end zoisite jewelry designs, providing options for creating unique pieces at a lower cost.

• Overall, lab-created tanzanite offers an inexpensive yet gem-quality alternative to natural stones, allowing consumers to enjoy the beauty of this stunning gemstone without compromising on color or quality.

Is All Tanzanite Enhanced?

Not all tanzanite gemstones undergo enhancement treatments, but buyers should be aware of these practices.

Tanzanite gemstones are often enhanced to improve their color, clarity, and appearance. Heating the stone at high temperatures can remove undertones and create a more vibrant blue or violet hue. 

Another method involves coating the gemstone with titanium oxide to create a stunning iridescent effect. Transparent zoisites are highly valued for their intense colors and excellent transparency.

How to Care for Tanzanite 

To properly care for and cleanse tanzanite, it is essential to follow a gentle approach that preserves the gemstone’s integrity and natural beauty. 

To ensure that your tanzanite retains its vibrant color and strong vitreous luster, read our step by step guide on how to properly care for your tanzanite plus tips of storage.

Tanzanite Value vs. Diamond Value

The comparison between the value of Tanzanite and Diamond gemstones reveals distinct factors that contribute to their respective worth.

Tanzanite, a rare blue-violet stone, holds its own unique allure in the world of gemstones. While diamonds are known for their exceptional hardness and brilliance, tanzanite possesses a captivating color range that makes it highly sought after.

When considering value, diamonds typically command higher prices due to their long-standing popularity and reputation as symbols of luxury. However, tanzanite’s scarcity and limited mining locations give it an exclusivity factor that can enhance its worth.

Additionally, the increasing demand for colored gemstones among consumers has led to a rise in tanzanite’s market value. Ultimately, both gems have their own inherent qualities that contribute to their individual worth and appeal in the jewelry industry.

Final Thoughts

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone known for its captivating blue-violet color. It is believed to possess mystical powers and has significant meaning in the spiritual realm. Tanzanite is associated with various healing properties and is said to enhance intuition and psychic abilities. It is also linked to the throat chakra, promoting clear communication.

When buying tanzanite, factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight influence its value. Compared to diamonds, tanzanites are generally more affordable but still hold considerable value in the gemstone market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tanzanite stone expensive?

Yes, tanzanite is considered to be one of the more expensive gemstones. It is valued for its rarity and unique blue-violet color. The price of tanzanite can vary depending on factors such as size, quality, and overall market demand.

Why was tanzanite banned?

Tanzanite was not banned. However, it has been subject to certain restrictions in the past. In 2003, the Tanzanian government imposed a temporary ban on the export of rough tanzanite in an effort to encourage local processing and enhance the value of the gemstone. This ban was lifted in 2010, but there are still regulations in place to ensure that tanzanite is properly mined and processed in Tanzania.

Can tanzanite be used in engagement rings or wedding bands?

Yes, Tanzanite can be used in engagement rings or wedding bands due to its durability and stunning blue-violet color. Its suitable for everyday wear, but precautions should still be taken to prevent damage.

What Causes Tanzanite’s Color?

Tanzanite’s color is primarily caused by the presence of trace amounts of vanadium, which is a transition metal. The vanadium impurities within the crystal structure of tanzanite absorb certain wavelengths of light, particularly those in the blue-violet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This absorption process results in the stone exhibiting its characteristic blue or violet-blue color. The intensity of the color can vary depending on the concentration of vanadium present in the stone.