more rare than diamonds
TANZANITE
Tanzanite Origin & Physical Properties
Tanzanite is the name given to a rare form of blue to violet variety of Zoisite. It is a calcium aluminum silicate with trace amounts of Vanadium that cause the blue to violet color. Tanzanite crystals grow in an orthorhombic crystal system and form prismatic blade like crystals with many striations.Tanzanite is a pleochroic gemstone with some crystals being strongly trichroic, meaning that it exhibits three different colors depending on the axis of orientation. Its colors shift from blue to violet and burgundy. Depending on the lighting source, Tanzanite will appear more blue or violet. In order to achieve the most desirable blue color, nearly all Tanzanite crystals are heat-treated in their rough form before cutting into gems. After heat treating Tanzanite become dichroic and exhibits only two colors, ranging from blue to indigo, violet and reddish-violet.
The gemstone name comes from its only known source on the planet, Tanzania. All of the mines for Tanzanite are concentrated in an area that is only around fourteen square kilometers called Merelani Hills near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. Tanzanite deposits are estimated to become exhausted in the next two decades and the prices for high quality gems will surely rise. It is one of the few recently discovered gems that has surged to massive popularity and it is only a matter of time before the demand outstrips the supply.
Just like Diamonds, Tanzanite’s value is based on the “4 c’s”, color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Deeper vibrant blue colors are more valuable and the price increases exponentially depending on its clarity. Generally, Tanzanite is cut only by highly skilled lapidaries so the cutting quality will usually be quite high. The price per carat increases for gems over 1 carat, 2 carats and 3 carats respectively. Price per carat over 3 carats don’t change much. For high quality gems, prices can range from $200 to $800 per carat.
| Category | Properties |
|---|---|
Chemical Composition |
(Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) + (Cr,Sr) |
Mohs Hardness |
6.5 |
Luster |
Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces |
Specific Gravity |
3.10-3.38 |
Refractive Index |
1.69–1.70 |
Fluorescence |
Inert |
Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent |
Color |
Blue, Purple |
Origin |
Tanzania |
Chakra |
Throat (5th), Third Eye (6th), Crown Chakras (7th) |
Zodiac |
Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius |
Element |
Water |
Metaphysical Effects |
Transformation, communication, Higher Consciousness |
Tanzanite Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Tanzanite is a high vibrational gemstone with pleochroic (color changing) properties, enabling it to interact with multiple energetic centers simultaneously. The blue color rays of Tanzanite encourage us to transcend harmful patterns and increase compassion for ourselves and others. This is the color of honor and truth. The violet color rays of Tanzanite unlock the doors of mysticism and help us uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of reality.
Tanzanite stimulates the Throat, Third-eye and Crown Chakras, increasing the positive flow of energy between all three of the higher chakras. The Throat Chakra is the center of expression and communication. Tanzanite aids in clear communication and balancing the emotional body and how we express ourselves. With a balanced throat chakra we can communicate clearly our desires and highest truth, both to ourselves and to others. The Third-eye Chakra is the center of consciousness and higher perceptions of reality. Tanzanite can help to stimulate a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, inspire new ideas and open the gateway to unleashing our dreams. Tanzanite can act as a bridge to our unconscious, allowing us to discover new things about ourselves, helping to elevate our consciousness to a higher level. The Crown Chakra is centered at the top of our head and is the seat of our beliefs, and the link to higher consciousness beyond ourselves. Tanzanite can act as a guide to exploring eternal truths and cosmic consciousness that is unchanging and eternal. By balancing the 7th Chakra we can rise above personal circumstances and limited perspective that holds us back from spiritual evolution.
Tanzanite is a powerful stone for meditation and exploring the higher realms of our consciousness. It is a modern birthstone for Capricorns and represents the inner world of Winter, the clear starry night and the magic of the color changing Northern Lights. It is a gem that combines the elements of Water & Fire, uniting the deep feelings of emotion with the warm fire of vitality.
