Tanzanite: The Dreamy Blue-Violet Gemstone

A fat pear shaped tanzanite weighing over 5ct.

What Makes Tanzanite So Special?

Tanzanite is a truly unique gemstone, famous for its mesmerising blue-violet hues that shift with the light. Discovered only in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and is found in just one small area on earth—making it a thousand times rarer than diamonds. Its captivating colour, which can rival the best sapphires, is the result of both nature and a little help from heat treatment, revealing those signature blues and violets. Tanzanite is the birthstone for December and the gem for 24th wedding anniversaries, making it a meaningful choice for custom-made jewellery and special gifts.

A top coloured oval tanzanite in a platinum setting with diamonds.

Where Does Tanzanite Come From?

All tanzanite comes from a tiny strip of land in northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. The mining area is only about 7km long and 2km wide, and experts predict the supply could be exhausted within a generation. This rarity adds to tanzanite’s allure and investment value, as it’s unlikely to be found anywhere else in the world. The gem’s story began when Maasai tribesmen discovered the first crystals, and it was soon named and popularised by Tiffany & Co. Today, tanzanite is celebrated for its exclusivity and the magic of its origin.

A pear of tanzanite and diamond white gold drop earrings in the Sara Handmade Jewellery boutique.

Tanzanite in Custom Jewellery

Tanzanite’s vivid colour and rarity make it a show-stopping centrepiece for bespoke jewellery, especially pendants, earrings, and dress rings. Thanks to its pleochroism, tanzanite can display different colours—blue, violet, and even hints of red—depending on the angle and lighting. While it’s not as hard as sapphire (tanzanite rates 6–7 on the Mohs scale), with the right setting and a little care, it can be enjoyed for years. We recommend bezel settings and using tanzanite in pieces that won’t see heavy daily wear. If you’re after a unique coloured stone engagement ring, we’ll guide you on the best ways to showcase and protect your tanzanite.

A beautiful bezel set tanzanite dress ring with reverse taper band and diamond halo.

Colour, Value & Care

The most valuable tanzanite gemstones are a deep, vivid blue to violet-blue, with prices rising for stones with intense colour and larger sizes. Most tanzanite is heat-treated—a standard, stable process that brings out its best hues and doesn’t affect value. Because tanzanite is softer than many gems, it’s best suited to pendants, earrings, and special occasion rings. Clean your tanzanite jewellery gently with warm, soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals or knocks. If you have a damaged tanzanite, we offer jewellery remodelling and restoration services to bring your piece back to life.

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FAQs About Tanzanite

• Is tanzanite good for engagement rings?

  Tanzanite is softer than sapphire and diamond, so we don’t recommend it for engagement rings that will see daily wear. It’s perfect for pendants, earrings, and dress rings.

• What birthstone is tanzanite?

  Tanzanite is one of the birthstones for December.

• Is tanzanite treated?

  Yes, most tanzanite is heat-treated to achieve its beautiful blue-violet colour. This is a stable and accepted process.

• Can you remodel or repair tanzanite jewellery?

  Absolutely! We specialise in jewellery remodelling and can restore or redesign your tanzanite pieces.

• Is tanzanite a good investment?

  With its rarity and limited supply, tanzanite is becoming more valuable and is considered a smart choice for collectors and jewellery lovers.

Ready to create your own ruby masterpiece?

Book a complimentary consultation at our Kiama studio or online and let’s bring your ruby vision to life.