What Is Tanzanite & What Makes It Such A Rare & Precious Stone?

Tanzanite is unique among gemstones in that it is only found in one place in the whole world – making it a geological rarity. Discovered in 1967 in the Mererani hills at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in the Manyara region of Northern Tanzania – it is still solely mined there today and takes its name from its romantic home. Being discovered relatively recently, the stone came to be known as the ‘gemstone of the 20th century’ and soon New York socialites and British movers and shakers alike were flocking to buy this coveted jewel. Today it is just as popular – apart from it’s incredible beauty tanzanite is 1,000 times rarer than a diamond and it’s only source will be depleted within the next 30 years, factors that make it a very good investment.

A deep blue/purple, tanzanite is distinguished by its rich colour and the way it catches the light to evoke the last gasps of a burgundy sunset, the palest violet, or rich, deep, blue water. The reason it can appear to be all three colours (though not in the same stone) is that it is also an unusually highly trichroic gemstone meaning that because of its crystal formation, when cut at one of three different angles it will refract and absorb light differently, appearing as one of three different colours. Not bad for a stone found in one tiny corner of the globe.

Tanzanite measures 6.5-7 on the MOHs scale, meaning it’s an extremely skilful jeweller who can work with it. Luckily here at Stephen Einhorn we have just the team to lovingly coax the stone into your chosen ring or necklace setting. With care, this precious rarity should last a lifetime: well into the next century. This exclusive gemstone can be cut into any shape, making it the perfect choice for an unusual engagement ring or bespoke commission, coming as it does in Princess, Pear, Ceylon, Brilliant, Emerald cut… The tanzanite is your oyster! In fact the cut, as well as the colour, adds to the value of this stone as it must be cut with the right proportions and facets to get the most from its rich hues. Tanzanite can also be shaped into beads for a truly decadent piece.

Where some stones have thousands of years of history behind them, tanzanite is a beautiful mystery, lying undiscovered until the swinging sixties. This exclusive, modern gemstone looks fabulous set in a variety of coloured precious metals as its depth of colour matches the cool tones of steely platinum or the rich hues of yellow or rose gold to equal, but differently stunning effect.

We have used this enigmatic stone in a variety of original jewellery designs, most recently our stunning new Tsarina fine jewellery collection which you can see online or at our London shop. Tanzanite is a stone that will grace any skin stone and is suited to both sleek masculine designs as well as more feminine, elegant pieces. If you are looking for something that is unusual, exclusive, and with a history that you can start to write yourself, tanzanite might just be the stone for you.

Is tanzanite rare?

Yes. Tanzanite is mined in one small area of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, and nowhere else in the world. It is a blue-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, found in 1967.

How to look after tanzanite

Tanzanite is softer than sapphire, so it is best in earrings, pendants and rings that are not worn for heavy work. Take it off for the gym and gardening, keep it away from sudden changes in temperature, and clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush rather than an ultrasonic cleaner.

Tanzanite jewellery we make

• Roundhaus Ring, from £4,090
• Tsarina Diamond Halo Ring, from £9,800
• Roundhaus Stud Earrings, from £8,625

Each stone is chosen and set by hand in our workshop at 210 Upper Street, Islington. Tanzanite is on the American December birthstone list; see our birthstone jewellery guide.