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Tanzanite is

a rare blue-purple variety of the mineral zoisite, first discovered in Tanzania in 1967. It is prized for its rich color, which ranges from deep blue to violet, and its unique optical property called pleochroism, where the stone appears to be different colors depending on the viewing angle. Tanzanite is the only commercial source for this gemstone and is considered a national treasure of Tanzania.

Color and properties

• Color: Most commonly blue or violet, with the most valuable stones displaying an intense, vivid violetish-blue hue with flashes of red. The color is caused by trace amounts of vanadium.

• Pleochroism: This gem shows three different colors when viewed from different angles: typically blue, violet, and a third color, which is often a greenish-yellow. Heat treatment is used to remove or reduce the greenish-yellow color, intensifying the blue and violet hues.

• Hardness: On the Mohs scale, tanzanite is a 6.5, making it less durable than gems like diamonds or sapphires, so it should be handled with care to avoid damage.

• Origin: It is found in a very limited area near the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which makes it incredibly rare.

Other facts

• Discovery: It was discovered in 1967 and brought to the market by Tiffany & Co..

• Birthstone: It was added to the list of alternative birthstones for December in 2002.

• Care: Due to its relative softness, tanzanite should be cleaned carefully and protected from sudden temperature changes and strong impacts.