Tanzanite - A Jewel Born from the Foothills of Kilimanjaro
🌍 Origin & History
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, found only in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite quickly rose to global fame for its remarkable trichroism — the ability to show different colors when viewed from different angles.
Unlike many gemstones with global deposits, Tanzanite’s source is extremely limited, making it about 1,000 times rarer than diamonds.
At Mittal Gems, we are deeply passionate about sourcing Tanzanite that stays true to its natural allure — responsibly mined and carefully calibrated for modern jewelry creations.
🎨 Color Range & Characteristics
Tanzanite’s color is what truly sets it apart. It displays a breathtaking range:
- Violet-Blue: Most prized, especially under natural daylight
- Purplish-Blue: Under incandescent lighting
- Soft Lilac to Deep Indigo: Depending on the angle and stone size
⛏️ Mining and Sources
All commercial Tanzanite comes from a mining area just 4 kilometers wide and 2 kilometers long in the Merelani Hills, near Arusha, Tanzania.
There are four main mining blocks (A, B, C, and D):
- Block C is the largest and most productive, supplying high-grade Tanzanite.
- Blocks D and A produce smaller quantities but sometimes exceptional quality stones.
🧠 Educational Insights
- Hardness: 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale — softer than sapphire but perfect for jewelry with proper care.
- Pleochroism: Strong — showing multiple colors from different angles, enhancing its visual magic.
- Formation: Tanzanite formed about 585 million years ago under extraordinary geological conditions, making it a true geological wonder.
📈 Interesting Facts
- Tanzanite was named by Tiffany & Co. to promote it internationally.
- Experts estimate Tanzanite’s natural supply may be exhausted within a few decades, adding to its exclusivity.
- Larger Tanzanite crystals often display deeper, richer hues, a quality sought after by discerning jewelers and collectors.
💎 How to Identify Good Tanzanite
- Color: Rich violet-blue tones are considered premium.
- Clarity: Eye-clean stones with minimal inclusions are ideal.
- Cut: Well-proportioned cuts reveal Tanzanite’s trichroic beauty.
At Mittal Gems, every Tanzanite gemstone is meticulously inspected, ensuring it meets the highest standards demanded by fine jewelers and manufacturers worldwide.
🔗 Browse Our Collection
If you would like to explore beautifully calibrated Tanzanite gemstones,
👉 Browse our Tanzanite collection here.
Discover the perfect stone for your next creation.