Tanzanite
Poised between lush blue, vibrant violet, and rich purple, exotic tanzanite is found in only one place on earth, near majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Named for Tanzania, the country where it was discovered in 1967, tanzanite is the blue-to-violet or purple variety of the mineral zoisite. It’s become one of the most popular of coloured gemstones.
Birthstones & Anniversaries
Tanzanite is a birthstone for December, along with zircon, turquoise, and blue topaz. Tanzanite is also the gem for a 24th anniversary.
Facts
Mineral: Zoisite
Chemistry: Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
Colour: Violet blue to bluish violet to violet purple
Refractive Index: 1.691 to 1.700
Birefringence: 0.008 to 0.013
Specific Gravity: 3.35
Mohs Hardness: 6 to 7
