The exceptional brilliance of tanzanite, this unique blue-violet stone

The December birthstone in some countries, tanzanite is acclaimed by enthusiasts for its exceptional hues. In fact, it is one of the best-selling gemstones in the world, thanks to its trichroic character that surprises more than one. Indeed, it displays three different colors depending on the angle of observation: blue, purple and red.

On the trail of tanzanite

The tanzanite deposit is located in Tanzania, more precisely on the Merelani hills in the Manyara region. The story of its discovery is quite surprising and turns out to be the result of the greatest of coincidences (like all great discoveries). After a bush fire, the Maasai discovered on their land stones of a surprising blue with mauve hues. According to legend, these are local gray-brown stones transformed into blue by the heat of the bush fire. Tanzanite was born.

Long forgotten, tanzanite made its comeback in 1967 in Arusha. Manuel de Souza, a modest Portuguese craftsman, rediscovered tanzanite by chance and introduced it to the world. From then on, it was considered "the blue treasure of Africa".

A stone that seduces jewelry aficionados

Tanzanite experienced its rise in the late 1960s thanks to Tiffany & Co. jewelry. By releasing exceptional jewelry wonderfully set with tanzanite, the brand definitively established the stone as one of the most beautiful gems. A recognition that can also be explained by the beauty and rarity of tanzanite. Yes, it is rarer than diamonds, although more fragile?!

Now, jewelers are going to enhance their tanzanite sets. And luxury jewelry lovers are literally falling in love with it. And you know what?? In addition to being the December birthstone, tanzanite is also the 24th wedding anniversary stone.

How to recognize the special beauty of tanzanite?

Like all semi-precious stones, for a tanzanite to be recognized as a beautiful stone, it must meet the following criteria:

• An intense blue-violet color: that is, a color that is close to sapphire. In fact, the deeper the color of tanzanite, the more valuable it is.
• Extreme purity : in other words, without inclusions embedded in the stone, even when observed under a microscope, otherwise it loses value. Likewise, it must not have any breakages.
• Cushion or oval cut: To highlight the sumptuousness of tanzanite's colors, tanzanite should be cut into a cushion or oval shape.
• Weighing over 5 carats: Tanzanite only reveals its true beauty when it weighs over 5 carats.

Tanzanite and its therapeutic virtues

Wearing a tanzanite would be beneficial for the brain and the nervous system. This fine stone also allows:

• Improve hearing and vision
• Facilitate the work of the kidneys
• Protect skin and bones
• Act as an abdominal and stomach pain reliever

Moreover, tanzanite promotes creativity and imagination. It is also the ideal stone for good spiritual meditation.