What Is the History and Origin of History of Tanzanite?

Out of all the blue gemstones, the history of tanzanite is perhaps the most interesting. Want to know more? Read on!

Tanzanite is the second most popular blue gemstone, ranking right next to the scintillating blue sapphire. It is a December birthstone that is prized not only for its beauty but also for its healing properties. Tanzanite is believed to be a good luck stone and symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. It is a magical gem that has the power to transform the adverse effects of certain events into positive ones. Interestingly, tanzanite reflects a different shade of blue when it is viewed from different angles. Its fluidity can lead to increased consciousness and mental ability.

All About Gemstones

Tanzanite jewelry is trendy since this attractive gemstone comes in various shades of blue and violet. Moreover, these gemstones are primarily symbolic of new beginnings. Therefore, they are gifted to parents of new-borns as a token of good luck and prosperity. The best part is that tanzanite jewelry is not too expensive and looks just as elegant as other precious gemstones. Moreover, it can be worn by everyone, irrespective of their horoscope, in any form to attract good luck.

History of Tanzanite

The history of Tanzanite is a tale that centers around how it was discovered by Maasai herders who were herding their livestock near the Merelani hills way back in 1967. They found that the blue stones looked like sapphires or colored diamonds. Not sure about what to do next, they took these gemstones to Manuel D’Souza, a gemologist and it was from here that the tanzanite gemstones were introduced to the world.

When D’Souza saw the gems, he was sure that they were sapphires. But when the gemstones were tested, they were found to have different compounds and were not as hard as sapphires. These gemstones were different and their composition was unknown and completely unique.
Manuel d’Souza requested the government for permission to mine these gemstones. Soon this vibrant blue gemstone was found to be an unknown variety of Zoisite, which is a relatively old mineral.

Realizing the potential and facts about Tanzanite, jewelry companies introduced tanzanite to the people as an alternative to sapphires in 1968. In the next three years, the company mined tanzanite weighing almost two million carats following which the Tanzanian government nationalized the mines. Although tanzanites are available in plenty, the situation may change in the future. According to a study, tanzanite deposits may deplete in the next 20 years, considering the current rate of mining.
Tanzanite rings, earrings and neckpieces are the best choice when it comes to both, investment and style. For foreigners visiting Africa, they are a unique keepsake representing the rich cultural heritage of Africa.
Tanzanite does not have quite a long history like other gemstones. It is highly prized for its beauty and rarity. The fact that there are limited deposits of tanzanite makes it all the more popular.

Good | Platinum | 0.27 carat

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Half Eternity 7 Stone Tanzanite and Diamond...

Tanzanite is a fairly new gemstone but is already quite popular in the ring market. This is because of its color and style, which makes it the perfect gemstone to express love and commitment.
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Their depleting supply will make them incredibly scarce in the future. Moreover, the conditions under which they were naturally formed are unlikely to occur in the future.
Precious stones like tanzanite are believed to possess mythical qualities that benefit the wearer through every stage of life. Tanzanite is a stone that symbolizes new beginnings. They have favorable properties, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, happiness and good fortune. Tanzanite engagement rings are, therefore, the best choice when it comes to making a new beginning in life.
Tanzanite rings can be worn with other jewelry and they blend in perfectly. A tanzanite engagement ring can also be customized to include other smaller gems that can be arranged around the tanzanite gemstone for a more mesmerizing and sophisticated look.

Best | Platinum | 4.02 carats

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Vintage-Inspired Dangling Trillion Tanzanite...

Astrological Benefits

There are many astrological benefits of the tanzanite gemstone. Apart from their beauty, Tanzanite gemstones are worn mainly by people who want to bring positivity into their lives. According to Vedic astrology, Tanzanite is associated with the planet Saturn. However, they are considered to be auspicious for people born under the Jupiter sign. Therefore, wearing a tanzanite gemstone can be quite beneficial for these people.

Tanzanite brings good luck to December-born people. The gemstone also increases the chances of one getting a better job and business opportunities as well. In short, wearing tanzanite will ensure that your career has a flying start and remains on track.
Tanzanite gemstones bring positivity into the environment around you. You will be more cheerful and determined to achieve your professional goals. You will also find yourself being more caring and open mined while at home or among friends.
Those who are struggling with their finances can improve their social status. A tanzanite gemstone enhances self-confidence by draining negativity and improving your fortunes.
Some people are badly affected by evil energies that can result in considerable loss, bankruptcy and personal trauma. Tanzanite is capable of negating the effects of the evil eye and restoring your fortunes.
Good health and mental well-being are essential for success and happiness in life. Tanzanite improves your metabolism and immunity, which keeps you safe from physical ailments. This gemstone also keeps you in a positive state of mind, which is equally essential for a fulfilling life.
Tanzanite gems are believed to possess certain healing qualities. Hence, they are used in healing techniques, significantly during meditation, to calm the mind and alleviate stress. It improves blood circulation and helps treat mental issues, anxiety and depression.
All tanzanites that are available in the jewelry market are blue and are heat treated to enhance them. Only a few are natural tanzanite that is formed over the years through metamorphism. Natural blue, untreated tanzanite, is held in very high regard by some gemstone and jewelry buyers who seek it out when making a purchase. Tanzanites come in a whole range of blues that they are typically known for. However, deep, dark blue tanzanites are the most prominent and expensive of them all. The price of natural tanzanite is almost equal to that of blue topaz and sapphire.

Following are the different types of Tanzanite:

Heat-Treated Tanaznite

Except for a few mined tanzanites that have a natural color, all other tanzanite gemstones available these days are subject to heat treatment. This is done to improve their appearance, although some people still prefer the natural blue of a mined tanzanite gemstone.

Synthetic Tanzanite

Synthetic tanzanite is not yet available in the market since it is difficult to produce these gemstones in the lab. So when you come across synthetic gemstones, what you really see is imitation tanzanites made from glass or other similar compounds.

Nanosital Tanzanite

Tanzanite is also made from Nanosital, which is a glass ceramic, rough faceted stone. Russian Nanosital can be made into a variety of look-alike-colored gemstones. As a result, jewelry made from these tanzanites is both affordable and attractive.

Imitation Tanzanite

There are Imitations for every type of jewelry and the same is true for tanzanite as well. They look a lot like natural tanzanite because of the composition and pleochroism of the glass used to make them, which significantly resembles tanzanite. Corante, Tanavyte and a few types of glass are used to make imitation tanzanite, usually with labels to mention that they are imitations.

Coated Tanzanite

Sometimes, dull tanzanites are brightened by applying coatings of cobalt over them. These treatments are not easily visible but can be recognized by experienced eyes. Generally, the jeweler will disclose details of any treatments to the buyer to avoid any disappointments. Thus, for the same reason, it is advisable to purchase only from reputable jewelers.

Heirloom | Platinum | 19.60 carats

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Vintage Inspired GIA Certified Oval Tanzanite Halo...

Conclusion

Tanzanite gemstone jewelry has taken the jewelry market by storm since the time they were discovered. Although this gemstone was discovered much after other precious stones, it is almost as famous as gemstones that were discovered centuries ago. While Tanzanite jewelry is loved for its elegance and royal color, they are also known to possess mystical healing properties. Whatever the reason may be, an attractive piece of tanzanite jewelry can be a great addition to your jewelry collection.