Tanzanite

 What is Tanzanite?Tanzanite is a blue-violet gemstone that belongs to the zoisite mineral family. It's a calcium aluminum silicate mineral, to be specific. The gemstone is named after Tanzania, the country where it's found.

Appearance: Tanzanite is known for its striking blue-violet color, which is often described as a mix of sapphire blue and amethyst purple. The color can range from a light sky blue to a deep, rich violet-blue, depending on the quality and cut of the stone. Tanzanite often exhibits a phenomenon called "pleochroism," which means that the color appears to change when the stone is viewed from different angles.

Rarity: Tanzanite is an extremely rare gemstone, found in only one location in the world: the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha. The gemstone is mined from a relatively small area, about 8 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. Due to its limited availability, tanzanite is considered a precious and highly sought-after gemstone.

Hardness and Durability: Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6-7, which is relatively soft compared to other gemstones like diamonds (10) or sapphires (9). This means that tanzanite can be prone to scratching and wear, so it requires careful handling and setting in jewelry.

History and MarketTanzanite was first discovered in 1967, and it quickly gained popularity as a unique and beautiful gemstone. In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) named tanzanite as the official birthstone for December, along with turquoise and zircon. Today, tanzanite is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts, and its value is expected to appreciate over time due to its rarity.

Jewelry and SettingsTanzanite is often set in gold or silver jewelry, and its blue-violet color pairs well with diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones. Due to its relatively soft nature, tanzanite is often set in protective settings, such as bezel or halo settings, to prevent damage.