Tanzanite is a very “young” gemstone that was only discovered in 1967. This rare gem managed to play a role in the film “Titanic”. Only tanzanite managed to convey the charm of the “Heart of the Sea”.
History and origin of the name
In 1967, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, local resident Ali Juyawati found blue stones, which soon became one of the most expensive gems in the world. There are other opinions about the discoverer. It is also said that the stone was found by Manuel de Souza, a Portuguese gem hunter. In any case, it was he who identified the stone as a sapphire and did not attach any special value to it.
Everything changed after the stone met in 1968 with Henry Platt, owner of the world famous Tiffany company. Seeing the gem, Platt was literally fascinated by its amazing blue. He named the stone “Tanzanite” in honor of Tanzania.
In 1974, the stone was presented to the general public and became one of Tiffany's calling cards.
In addition to the name "tanzanite", it is also known as "blue zoisite".
Place of Birth
Tanzanite deposits can only be found in eastern Africa.
The gem is found only in shale clays that have undergone metamorphic transformations over hundreds of millions of years. It is often found together with quartz, scapolite and other minerals. It is formed at temperatures of 600°C and a pressure of 2-3 thousand atmospheres. These are the pressures created by the collision of continents 550 million years ago. This mineral is not found anywhere else on earth.
Interesting: The largest known cut gem-quality tanzanite weighs 242 carats, the stone is in the collection of Michael Scott, the first executive director of Apple.
Pocket-shaped porphyroblasts indicate the possible presence of tanzanite. The discovery of such a multi-colored treasure of expensive gems is obtained with great difficulty and is a great success. But it has everything at once: ultramarine-blue tanzanites, emerald-green tsavorites, purple-violet scapolites, and, in addition, transparent rock crystal along with its colored varieties.
They belong to zoisite - a variety of garnet. This is the only zoisite used in jewelry.
Chemical properties and composition
Tanzanite is a calcium aluminosilicate, like other grossulars. The color of this variety of garnet is due to the vanadium and chromium it contains.
Chemical formula – Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH).
Varieties
There are no actual varieties of tanzanite. They differ in intensity and shades of color. The most expensive gems are deep blue, not too light and not too dark. Tanzanites with purple hues are also prized.
Most often, when found, the stone does not represent anything remarkable, and its color is brownish-brown. But if you heat the stone to 400-650°C, a blue or purple color appears. True, some of the stones become discolored.
Interesting: The largest uncut tanzanite weighs 17,000 carats. Even experts did not dare to name its cost. The gem was considered priceless.
Colors and varieties
Tanzanite stone
Blue tanzanites are the most prized among jewelers. They can be lighter, darker or violet. But there are very few such stones, since they are born only on the surface of the earth, where they are warmed by the sun for a long time.
In the depths, tanzanites are found predominantly in brown shades, less often pink, greenish, yellowish or colorless. To obtain blue jewelry samples from such stones, they are preheated.
Impurities of granite and ilmenite contribute to the appearance of the “cat's eye” effect.
Fakes
Tanzanite is easily distinguished by pleochroism, that is, the change in shades when the stone is rotated. The color of the stone should be natural and not poisonous.
When immersed in water, a light stripe can be seen at the edges of the stone.
A glass fake can be easily identified by its significantly lower shine and refraction of light rays. In addition, a fake can be recognized by running a stone across the glass. Natural tanzanite will leave a scratch, but fake tanzanite will not.
When fired, the stone becomes clear of inclusions and defects. Carefully examine the gem under a magnifying glass.
You can distinguish tanzanite from a fake by price. Prices for large stones start at $2,000 per carat.
Other precious stones, for example, sapphire, can be passed off as this rare stone. Only an experienced jeweler can distinguish them from tanzanite.
The worst thing is to buy a glass fake covered with thin slices of tanzanite. In this case, pleochroism is observed, but the stone will quickly come apart. You can distinguish a fake only by examining the stone under a magnifying glass.
A distinctive feature of this unique gem is trichroism. When the gemstone is rotated, the color changes from blue to purple, and at certain angles yellow-brown or greenish-yellow tones appear. Unfortunately, these iridescences of tanzanite colors cannot be seen in the photo, so in doubtful cases, contact experienced experts.
Pricing Features
Tanzanite is a rare and quite expensive gemstone. Its price reaches the level of the cost of sapphires, but, as a rule, does not exceed it. In the jewelry market over the past few years, the price of a gem has stopped at around $300 for 1 carat of a stone that has already been cut.
- Instances of a natural blue, violet-blue hue are much more expensive than those that have already undergone heat treatment. Tanzanite is a polychrome stone and can include many shades that are only visible from certain angles and lighting. Particularly valued are minerals that have not been exposed to high temperatures and have a multi-colored color that comes from nature. Polychrome tanzanites look especially beautiful in fine jewelry, the price of which can amaze even experienced collectors.
- Valuable ultramarine or sapphire stones are often mined in the upper layers of the soil. They acquired a rich hue under the influence of sunlight and burning lava. It is believed that the richest colors can be seen in large stones.
- Separately, we need to consider the question of how much a mineral with visible color transitions – pleochroism – costs. There are also gems with a “cat’s eye” effect. Jewelers like to work with this material and their works have fairly high price tags.
- Tanzanite with alexandrite effect is also a welcome guest on the jeweler's table. The essence of this property is that the ultramarine mineral turns purple when placed under artificial lighting.
- Experts also evaluate the shine of the stone. Expensive, high-quality tanzanite has ideal transparency, and its edges have a mother-of-pearl line.
- Not all craftsmen like to work with soft tanzanites. Such material is expensive and fragile; just one wrong move can ruin a valuable specimen. To give the stone the desired blue color, it is exposed to high temperatures. Tanzanite is heated to 500 degrees. Thanks to this, the blue color begins to actively manifest itself.
Sellers do not always tell the buyer that the jewelry acquired an attractive shade after heat treatment. This fact will reduce the price, which no one wants to allow. Experts say that 95% of mined stones have “inappropriate” shades and turn blue after processing.
Magic properties
Tanzanite is a very young gem, but its magical properties have already been studied.
It enhances intuition, helps to find the right solution and reveals psychic abilities.
This is a talisman of financial well-being, but it does not like lazy people. You shouldn’t expect a large sum to fall by chance from a stone; you will have to work hard to achieve success. The stone also promotes family harmony; in a house with tanzanite, quarrels end before they begin.
This stone loves fidelity in family life; it can punish traitors with illness or troubles at work. As soon as the person returns to the house, everything will pass.
Tanzanite will help you choose your calling and discover hidden talents.
Talismans and amulets
Earrings with tanzanites
History has not preserved evidence of the use of tanzanite in ancient times as talismans and amulets. However, modern esotericists are confident in the stone’s ability to improve the life of its owner.
They believe that tanzanite is needed:
- For married couples to strengthen marriage bonds, maintain fidelity and improve the well-being of the family.
- To all representatives of the fair sex to increase their attractiveness and enhance their “feminine charms”.
- For young people free from relationships to find a soul mate, and for established couples to move to a new level - concluding a marriage or, conversely, breaking a painful relationship.
- For creative individuals to “connect” to an inexhaustible source of inspiration and discover new talents.
- For those who are undecided in life to find their own purpose. And also for those who are at a crossroads and don’t know what to do. If you ask tanzanite for advice, the solution will come naturally.
- Absolutely everything to improve your financial situation.
Attention!
Tanzanite does not tolerate betrayal and betrayal. He can even punish the traitor - send him illnesses, losses and failures.
Tanzanite also does not tolerate lazy people. Purchasing a talisman does not guarantee that wealth will fall from heaven to the thirsty. However, if a person strives for a goal and makes every effort, then the stone will help him. All human attempts will be crowned with success, and money will flow like a river.
As for the compatibility of the blue gem with names, there are no restrictions. The only ones who are singled out by the stone are the Galinas. It gives them comprehensive protection, helps them win everyone’s attention and respect, and also helps them avoid making mistakes in choosing a life partner.
Medicinal properties
Tanzanite can be used to restore and improve vision. To do this, you just need to peer at the stone when your eyes are tired from the monitor or small work.
Blue gem relieves migraines and headaches. For this purpose, it is recommended to wear tanzanite earrings. Bracelets are worn to get rid of back pain.
Tanzanite helps to recover from illness, improves immunity, protects against colds and ARVI.
To get rid of skin problems, it is useful to wash your face with water in which the stone has been dipped. Wearing tanzanite in a gold frame is also beneficial.
How to wear it correctly?
Ring tanzanite and opal
Tanzanite is part of exclusively high-end precious metal jewelry. This is explained by its high cost, which consists of the rarity of the stone and the complexity of its processing. It is very soft, so one wrong move by the jeweler can lead to damage to the sample.
Jewelry with “African treasure” is not suitable for everyday wear. They will perfectly complement a business or evening look. Earrings with small inserts will add romance to a young girl, and an exquisite pendant will add glamor to a socialite.
You should not combine tanzanite jewelry with other bright wardrobe items, be it a blouse, bag or shoes. They will only distract attention from the luxury of the stone and turn the toilet into bad taste.
The perfect play of blue highlights of the gem sets off blue eyes, and also goes best with a black evening dress and heels.
Zodiac signs
Tanzanite has no contraindications according to zodiac signs. Ideal for signs of the water element.
Cancer will get rid of painful attachment to the past and reveal new perspectives.
Pisces will fill with energy and give self-confidence.
Scorpios will be relieved of sarcasm and other character flaws.
Aries become more responsible with him and find it easier to find a common language with others.
Capricorns become more balanced and retain their youthful outlook.
What stones does it go with?
When creating jewelry, craftsmen take into account the combination of the main jewelry with other stones. Tanzanite is a very self-sufficient and strong mineral. No other gem can compete with it in strength, beauty and brilliance. If there are two bright minerals in a piece of jewelry, the overall appearance of the piece is spoiled, it looks strange and even cheap, which is why jewelers prefer to make tanzanite the main star of the accessory.
To highlight the brilliance of precious facets, craftsmen choose diamonds for their shimmer. It is very rare to find a duet of tanzanite with amethyst or topaz, and even less often ruby is added to it. The gem can be framed in silver, gold, platinum, photos of finished products.
Compatibility
The combination of tanzanite with diamonds or tsavorite is more common. Other combinations in one piece of jewelry are rare.
Can be worn with any other stones if desired. Tanzanite is quite friendly.
With citrine and amethyst, tanzanite attracts love, with topaz it helps in career, and with ruby it gives happiness in the family and success at work.
Mineral deposits
Tanzanite crystal
Blue cyosite is mined in only one place on the planet - in the very province of Arusha in Tanzania, which is located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The deposit is called "Merelani". It is divided into four sectors, designated by the Latin letters A, B, C, D, which are developed by various mining companies, but 60% of all production is carried out by Tanzanite One Group.
Mineral reserves are modest. At the moment, decent volumes are supplied to the market, but according to preliminary calculations by scientists, they will dry up no later than in 2 decades. Therefore, tanzanite is considered a rare and very valuable stone.
Jewelry with tanzanite
Tanzanite looks great in a platinum or gold setting.
Jewelry with tanzanite can be very different: earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, bracelets, pendants. Their cost can be compared to a fortune. This stone is very difficult to process, so not just any lapidary will undertake such a task.
Tanzanites can also be found quite inexpensively if they do not meet the standards of purity and clarity. Prices for rings with tanzanite start from 8 thousand rubles.
Interesting: Tanzanite reserves in the world will last for 10-15 years. The cost of the stone will only increase.
Products and jewelry made of tanzanite
Tanzanite stone ring
Finding real tanzanite in mass sale is almost impossible. Jewelry with it is sold only by large and well-known jewelry houses, such as Tiffany, Sokolov and others. On their counters there is a fairly wide selection of jewelry with an insert of blue gems - these include rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Prices are always high; you will have to pay a lot for endless blue in a gold frame, for example:
- For earrings – 200-1300 dollars.
- For rings – 190-1300 dollars.
- For a pendant - 200-600 dollars.
- For a bracelet (usually with one stone) – about $1000.
Tanzanite earrings
Tanzanites are extremely rarely set in silver. Such jewelry can only be purchased from the authors, but they will also be quite expensive:
- Figured ring with 3 small stones – $75-100.
- Openwork set of ring and earrings with nanostones – $130.
Such jewelry usually uses lower quality, lighter stones or their crumbs.
Stone care
Tanzanite is fragile and should be protected from impacts and falls. Store it in a separate box covered with a soft cloth. Tanzanite does not tolerate temperature changes, so it should not be worn in winter. The same applies to saunas and steam baths. The stone should be removed before going to the steam room.
Also, the stone does not like water. Take it off before showering or bathing. You can wash the gem with water or a weak solution of baby soap, and then immediately dry it with a dry cloth.
You need to put on jewelry after applying cosmetics so that it does not get on the stone. It is especially worth protecting tanzanite from acids.
Do not leave the gem in sunlight for a long time, it may fade.
Tanzanite is a very expensive stone, but there is no shortage of people willing to buy it. This rare gem is extremely beautiful.
Application and care
The African gem is very soft and fragile, so not every jeweler will decide to work with it. It is very difficult to process the mineral, the raw materials are expensive, and in case of defects, no one will compensate for the money spent. However, craftsmen who are able to cope with this difficult task create luxury jewelry with tanzanite, which often costs a fortune.
Tanzanite is difficult to process, which is why it is quite rare and expensive.
Except in jewelry, the gem is not used anywhere. It is too rare and beautiful to be an ornamental material or used in industry. Tanzanite is most often used to make rings, bracelets, studs and pendants.
It is impossible to find treasured items with tanzanite on market stalls; you shouldn’t even try. Only the best jewelry houses sell this gem. The crystal is most often set in platinum or gold, so the cost of such jewelry is very high.
In order for a rare and expensive stone to serve you as long as possible, you should follow several rules for wearing it.
- Tanzanite does not tolerate temperature fluctuations, so you should not wear it in winter or when going to the sauna.
- It is best to wear jewelry with the stone after you have applied makeup to reduce the chance of harsh chemicals coming into contact with the stone. It also does not tolerate acidic environments.
- The gem is afraid of high humidity, so it is recommended to remove it when going to the bathroom or shower.
- It is advisable to wash tanzanite with a weak solution of baby soap. Abrasive and detergent substances can damage the stone beyond repair. After cleaning, the gem should be carefully wiped with a soft suede cloth.
- Mechanical damage, even minor, can be fatal. It's best not to drop the stone and be careful with hard surfaces. It is also best to store the gem separately from other crystals, wrapped in a soft cloth.
