Appearance
Tanzanite is well known for its enthralling violet-blue hue. The gemstone has a variety of colors, ranging from a vivid blue to a rich violet. Tanzanite’s worth and desirability are greatly influenced by the color’s intensity. Tanzanite is a member of the system of orthorhombic crystals. Its crystals are shaped like prisms and have distinct facets. The pleochroism of tanzanite, the gemstone’s ability to display multiple colors depending on the angle at which it is seen, is attributed to its crystal structure.
Geographical Distribution
Only a small area of northern Tanzania, close to Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes, is home to tanzanite deposits. The Merelani Hills, which are close to the town of Arusha, are the main mining region. The sole known source of Tanzanite in the world is this region.
History
Tiffany’s marketing staff brought “blue-violet zoisite” to the market in 1968, but did not feel that the technical name was consumer-friendly enough. Tanzanite was added to the American Gem Trade Association’s birthstone list in 2002, marking the first alteration to the list since 1912.
Geologically speaking, tanzanite is a relatively young material. In comparison to other jewels like diamonds or rubies, its estimated age of 585 million years makes it youthful. The geology of the area was formed by tectonic activity, which also produced tanzanite.
Chemical Composition
One variant of the mineral zoisite, which is a member of the epidote mineral group, is tanzanite. For zoisite, the usual chemical formula is Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH). But tanzanite’s unique blue-violet hue is due to the presence of other elements. Trace levels of vanadium (V) are mostly responsible for the blue coloration, whilst chromium (Cr) is responsible for the violet color. Tanzanite’s precise chemical make-up is (Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)), with chromium and vanadium as impurities.
Uses
The flexible gemstone tanzanite is used in many different contexts. The following are some typical applications and uses for tanzanite:
- Jewelry:
Tanzanite is valued for its remarkable color and rarity and is mostly used in jewelry.
It is frequently faceted and cut into a variety of forms, like pear, cushion, oval, and round, to make beautiful jewelry pieces like pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Strong blue-violet tones that can go from deep violet to strong blue are what make tanzanite jewelry so popular. It’s a fascinating gemstone for both formal and informal settings.
- Collectibles and Investment:
Due to its scarcity and limited supply, tanzanite is a popular gemstone among investors and collectors.
Premium Tanzanite gemstones can increase in value over time and are highly prized if they have the desired color, clarity, and size.
Collectors frequently look for unusual and rare Tanzanite specimens or gemstones with remarkable qualities, such enormous sizes, extraordinary color saturation, or superb clarity.
- Fashion and Accessories:
Beyond jewelry, tanzanite can be utilized in accessories and clothing.
It can be used to lend a touch of sophistication and elegance to designer pieces like cufflinks, hair accessories, and brooches.
Tanzanite cabochons or beads can also be utilized as decorative elements in high-end fashion, or as ornaments for textiles, such as embroidery.
Table
