Tanzanite is a striking blue-violet gemstone with a uniquely modern origin. Discovered in the late 1960s, it quickly gained popularity for its vibrant colour and captivating brilliance. While not technically an antique gemstone due to its recent discovery, tanzanite is sometimes featured in vintage rings from the late 20th century and remains a favourite for those seeking an alternative to sapphires.
What Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is the blue-to-violet variety of the mineral zoisite, named after its only known source—Tanzania. Its discovery in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro was a major moment in modern gemmology. The gem is pleochroic, meaning it shows different colours—typically blue, violet, and burgundy—when viewed from different angles. This colour play is most vivid when stones are carefully oriented during cutting.
Gemstone Characteristics
- Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale
- Toughness: Poor to fair (brittle and sensitive to pressure)
- Lustre: Vitreous
- Colour: Blue to violet-blue
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Discovered: 1967 (Tanzania)
Common Cutting Styles
Tanzanite is typically cut in emerald cuts and step cuts to highlight its clarity and maximise colour zoning. The stone’s pleochroism makes cutting orientation crucial—lapidaries aim to show the deepest blue possible. Cushion and oval cuts are also common in vintage rings.
Use in Vintage Jewellery
Due to its recent discovery, tanzanite does not appear in antique rings but can be found in late 20th-century vintage jewellery. It became especially popular in the 1980s and 1990s, often set in white gold or yellow gold cocktail rings, cluster rings, and three-stone designs. Its vivid hue made it an appealing alternative to sapphire or amethyst for statement pieces.
Symbolism and Lore
Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual clarity. Its rich blue tones are said to inspire calmness and self-expression. In 2002, tanzanite was officially added as a birthstone for December, alongside turquoise and zircon, making it one of the few modern gems with birthstone status.
Is Tanzanite Suitable for Daily Wear?
While tanzanite’s hardness is moderate, its toughness is relatively low, meaning it can chip or crack under impact. Rings featuring tanzanite should be worn with care and are best suited for occasional wear. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, and store away from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.