Recognized by the American Gem Society as one of December's birthstones, the tanzanite stone is admired for its vivid color, rarity, and radiant brilliance.
Its striking appearance and limited supply make it a unique find for jewelry sets and memorable celebration gifts.
Only found in one place in the world
Displays pleochroism (shows off different colors from different angles)
How does tanzanite stand out from other gems? Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world because it’s only mined in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Although it is a rare find, its mesmerizing color has made tanzanite one of the most sought-after modern gemstones.
Tanzanite may be the right choice if:
Tanzanite is often picked for:
Unlike most birthstone gems, tanzanite has only one known commercial source.
Located near Mount Kilimanjaro, this small mining region is the most exclusive source of gem-quality tanzanite throughout the world.
Although all tanzanite gemstones come from the same region, they can display in varying shades of blue, violet, and purplish-blue depending on the crystal orientation and treatment.
Because of its single origin location, tanzanite is considered one of the rarest commercially available gemstones to date.
Understanding these value factors can help you decide on the right tanzanite gemstone for your needs and personal style.
Tanzanite is the blue-violet variation of the mineral zoisite. First discovered in 1967, its remarkable color, rarity, and brilliance helped it quickly become one of the most celebrated gemstone discoveries of the 20th century among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
Discovered in northern Tanzania in 1967, tanzanite was later introduced to the world by Tiffany & Co., which named the gemstone after its country of origin. Today, tanzanite remains one of the few gemstones only found in a single location on Earth.
Tanzanite is typically chosen as a symbol for transformation, wisdom, and new beginnings.
Many people choose a tanzanite gemstone to commemorate life’s most meaningful milestones and other personal achievements.
What makes tanzanite different from sapphire? Tanzanite displays both blue and violet hues due to pleochroism, while sapphire generally maintains a more consistent color. Unlike sapphire, tanzanite is also found exclusively in Tanzania (hence its name).
Is tanzanite durable enough for daily wear? Tanzanite measures ~6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. While it is used for jewelry, it should be worn with care and protected from hard impacts, especially in a ring setting.
What month is tanzanite a birthstone for? December.
Is tanzanite expensive? Although rarer, tanzanite is generally more affordable than similarly colored sapphires. But keep in mind that gemstones with vivid color, excellent clarity, and larger sizes can be more expensive.
How should tanzanite jewelry be cleaned? Clean tanzanite with mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth or brush. It’s highly recommended to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, harsh chemicals, and sudden temperature changes to help protect the gemstone.
