Tanzanite: The Rare And Exotic Gemstone From Tanzania

Tanzanite is a captivating gemstone with mesmerizing hues of blue and violet. It is one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones in the world, as it is only found in one place on earth: near the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Tanzanite is also a relatively recent discovery, as it was first unearthed in 1967 by a Maasai tribesman who noticed some sparkling blue crystals among the rocks. Since then, tanzanite has become a symbol of beauty, rarity and elegance.

At M.S. Rau, we are delighted to offer a stunning selection of tanzanite jewelry for sale. Whether you are looking for a dazzling ring, a pendant, a pair of earrings, or a bracelet, you will find it among our tanzanite collection. Browse our online shop or visit our gallery in New Orleans to discover the allure and charm of tanzanite.

Tanzanite: A History of Discovery and Fame

Tanzanite was named after its country of origin by Tiffany & Co., who recognized its potential as a new and exciting gemstone. Tiffany & Co. launched a marketing campaign to introduce tanzanite to the world in 1968, calling it “the most beautiful blue stone to be discovered in 2,000 years.” Tanzanite soon gained popularity among celebrities, collectors, and jewelry lovers for its unique color and brilliance.

Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite, a mineral that occurs in a range of colors, including green, pink, yellow and brown. However, tanzanite owes its distinctive blue-violet hue to traces of vanadium in its crystal structure. Tanzanite is also pleochroic, meaning that it shows different colors when viewed from different angles. Depending on the orientation of the crystal, tanzanite can appear blue, violet, or purple.

Tanzanite is also known for its remarkable trichroism, which means that it splits light into three different colors: blue, violet and burgundy. This effect can be seen when tanzanite is viewed under polarized light or when it is rotated in front of the eye. To enhance the color and clarity of tanzanite, most stones are heat-treated to remove any brownish tones and bring out the blue-violet hues.

Tanzanite: A Collection of Treasures