Tanzanite Gemstone Guide

Tanzanite is a mesmerizing optical wonder that represents one of the most structurally unique and highly coveted treasures in modern history. At Tivon, we select only the top 5% of loose natural specimens from this Zoisite family to guarantee the finest investment-grade AAA+ and AAAA gemstones in the world, ensuring an intense royal purplish-blue saturation and an abundance of internal fire. Discovered exclusively within a single finite location at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this remarkably robust and sought-after crystal serves as a striking global symbol of prestige and individual distinction.

Read below to explore the famous Merelani Hills geography, essential care rules regarding chemical protections and core value factors of this magnificent trichroic mineral variety in our comprehensive Tanzanite Gemstone Guide. Alternatively, explore our masterfully curated Tanzanite jewellery collection to discover breathtaking statement pieces including luxury Tanzanite rings, exquisite Tanzanite earrings, stunning Tanzanite pendants and elegant Tanzanite bracelets, each designed to stand as a personal family legacy.

Rarity & Royalty!

About Tanzanite

What colour is Tanzanite?

The colour of Tanzanite is royal purplish-blue.

What makes Tanzanite change colour when viewed from different angles?

This spellbinding optical phenomenon is known as trichroism and Tanzanite is one of the only gemstones in the world that possesses it to such an extraordinary degree. Because of its unique, complex crystal structure, light entering the stone is split into three distinct optical directions. As a result, Tanzanite radiates three separate colours—a deep sapphire blue, a vibrant royal violet and a warm burgundy-red—depending entirely on your viewing angle. This multidimensional internal life ensures that no two Tanzanites ever look identical, making each piece a completely unique work of wearable art.

Where is the name Tanzanite derived from?

The name Tanzanite is derived from its birthplace - Tanzania.

What is the symbolism of Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is widely recognized as symbol of royalty and opulence as well as rarity.

What gemstone family does Tanzanite belong to?

Tanzanite belongs to the Zoisite gemstone family.

Is Tanzanite a birthstone?

Yes, Tanzanite is a birthstone and it represents December (alternative).

What is the difference between commercial and investment-grade Tanzanite?

Unlike diamonds, which follow a globally standardised diamond scale, coloured gemstones rely on a letter-grade system to define their quality. Standard high-street commercial jewellery typically features A or AA grade stones, which often display a lighter, washed-out lavender or pale blue tone and may contain visible internal characteristics.

What does AAA+ mean when investing in Tanzanite?

This classification is reserved for the top 5% of all mined Tanzanite. These exceptional specimens exhibit an intensely rich, vivid royal blue or deep violet saturation with immense internal life. They possess near-flawless clarity and show absolutely no eye-visible inclusions.

What does AAAA grade mean when investing in Tanzanite?

Representing the absolute pinnacle of rarity, AAAA is an exclusive master-jeweller designation used for the most extraordinary museum-quality cuts. These rare treasures display a completely saturated, deep velvety color profile that perfectly balances intense purplish-blue body color with strong, natural red flashes of pleochroism splitting through the stone’s facets when caught in the light. Because Tanzanite is a single-source treasure found exclusively at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, acquiring a highly coveted AAAA grade guarantees you are holding one of the scarcest, most optically brilliant mineral varieties in the world.

Is Tanzanite an investment-grade gemstone?

Yes, top-grade AAA+ and AAAA Tanzanite is considered a textbook generational investment asset. Mined exclusively in a single, small strip of land near Mount Kilimanjaro, its supply is actively depleting, earning it the title of a "one-generation gemstone." This finite lifespan drives intense collector demand.

For those looking to contrast this exotic modern marvel with the traditional "Big Three" precious stones, explore the fierce market profiles and rich history within our Ruby Gemstone Guide, our Sapphire Gemstone Guide, and our comprehensive Emerald Gemstone Guide. Please note - like all investments, values fluctuate with market conditions.

What is the hardness of Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is 6.5 – 7.0 on Moh’s Scale and therefore considered soft yet a very robust structure.

Where is Tanzanite geographically located?

The Tanzanite only found in Tanzania (Merelani Hills).

Does Tanzanite have any inclusions?

Generally Tanzanite inclusions are not common and do not often affect the colour and beauty of the stone.

What is the cleaning procedure for Tanzanite?

Clean Tanzanite carefully using warm soapy water. Use warm water rather than hot water. Tanzanite must not be cleaned ultrasonically or by steam cleaning. Please do not expose it to household chemicals.

What are the value factors of Tanzanite?

The value factors of Tanzanite are its rarity, intensity of colour as well as its brilliance and the "life" of the stone. Size of the Tanzanite is also a value factor.