blue · gemstone
Tanzanite
- Birthstone
- December
- Hardness
- Mohs 6-7
- Colour
- blue
December’s birthstone, Tanzanite is one of the world’s most recently discovered gemstones. This beautiful blue-violet gemstone was found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in the Arusha region of Tanzania in 1967, which remains the only source, and was named after its country of origin by world-renowned jewellers Tiffany & Co, who first brought it to the market.
Enter the Stone Room · Tanzanite, staged →
Tanzanite, the story
Tanzanite is the violet blue to blue violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It is a relatively soft gemstone, with a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, which limits its uses and means it is easily scratched or cleaved. However, its unique blue to violet hues make it a much sought-after gemstone and one of the most popular blue gemstones.
Tanzanite is associated with compassion, understanding, and self-awareness. It is believed to help people better understand themselves and others, promote empathy and forgiveness, and help with spiritual growth. Tanzanite’s rarity and beauty make it a popular choice for fine jewellery and a highly prized addition to any gemstone collection.