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Tanzanite, with its deep blue-violet hues, is a stone of transformation and enlightenment. This exquisite gem, found only in Tanzania, is believed to inspire insight and awaken spiritual exploration. Its rarity and unique color spectrum symbolize the beauty of uniqueness and personal growth.
Formation
Tanzanite is a version of the mineral zoisite that underwent a remarkable transformation to form a rare gemstone about 585 million years ago. This process was facilitated by massive tectonic plate movements, which created the unique conditions necessary for its formation exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, the only known location for tanzanite in the world. The formation involved extremely high heat and pressure, leading to the metamorphosis of the surrounding rocks and resulting in the creation of this captivating blue-violet stone. The distinctive coloration of tanzanite is attributed to the presence of vanadium within its crystal structure, making its formation a unique geological phenomenon.
Color
Tanzanite can range from a deep blue to a vibrant violet, often with a purplish hue. This gemstone exhibits a notable trichroic property, meaning it can show different colors (blue, violet, and burgundy) when viewed from different angles. The intensity and balance of these colors can vary, with some stones showing a more dominant blue or violet. The most valued tanzanite stones are those with a deep, saturated blue-violet color.
Treated Tanzanite
The majority of tanzanite gemstones available in the market today have been treated to enhance their vibrant blue-violet hues. This treatment typically involves heating the stones at low temperatures, a process that is almost universal and considered an industry standard. Natural tanzanite, in its raw state, often displays a more muted color palette, and the heat treatment is used to bring out the stone’s sought-after sapphire-like color. While treated tanzanite is widely accepted and sold, it’s important for buyers to be aware of the treatment when purchasing.
For those interested in buying natural, untreated tanzanite, it’s essential to purchase from reputable dealers who provide certification for their gemstones. Certificates from recognized gemological laboratories can verify whether a tanzanite is natural or treated. Buyers should also inquire about the stone’s provenance and treatment history directly with sellers. Due diligence and research into sellers’ reputations and reviews can further ensure the authenticity of natural tanzanite purchases.
Origins
Tanzanite is exceptionally rare and is found only in one location globally: the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This exclusivity contributes to its rarity and desirability. The fact that tanzanite is sourced from such a specific and limited area makes it even more valuable and sought after in the gemstone market.
History
Tanzanite, a relatively recent addition to the world of gemstones, was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, and its name reflects its country of origin. This exquisite gemstone is a variety of zoisite and owes its mesmerizing blue-violet color to the presence of trace elements like vanadium. Tanzanite’s uniqueness extends to its geological formation, primarily occurring near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, making it one of the rarest gemstones globally. While tanzanite lacks specific archaeological findings due to its recent discovery, it swiftly gained recognition and acclaim in the jewelry industry for its vibrant hue and brilliance. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, tanzanite is associated with spirituality and is believed to possess calming and soothing qualities, symbolizing transformation and new beginnings. This gemstone’s history is marked by its extraordinary find, rarity, and rapid rise to prominence in the world of gemstones and jewelry.
Spiritual Aspects
- Psychic Abilities: Tanzanite is believed to stimulate and enhance psychic abilities, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and spiritual insight, helping individuals connect with higher realms of consciousness.
- Spiritual Growth: It is said to promote spiritual growth and self-awareness, aiding in meditation and deepening one’s understanding of their spiritual path.
- Alignment of Chakras: Tanzanite is associated with the third eye and throat chakras, helping to align and balance these energy centers, which can lead to better communication and spiritual clarity.
- Higher Consciousness: This stone is thought to open the mind to higher dimensions and spiritual truths, facilitating a deeper connection to the spiritual realm.
- Protection: Some believe that Tanzanite offers protection against negative energies and psychic attacks, creating a shield of spiritual light around the wearer.
Emotional Aspects
- Calming and Soothing: Tanzanite is known for its calming and soothing properties, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promoting a sense of inner peace.
- Creativity: It is believed to stimulate creativity and inspiration, making it useful for artists, writers, and those seeking innovative solutions to problems.
- Self-Expression: Tanzanite can assist in clear and honest communication, making it easier for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Emotional Healing: This stone is thought to aid in emotional healing, helping individuals release past traumas and unresolved emotions, leading to emotional balance.
- Mental Clarity: Tanzanite is said to improve mental clarity and focus, making it easier to make decisions and solve complex problems.
Physical Aspects
- Boosting Immune System: Tanzanite is believed to strengthen the immune system and improve overall health, helping the body fight off illnesses and infections.
- Throat and Respiratory Health: It is associated with healing properties related to the throat and respiratory system, potentially alleviating issues like sore throats, asthma, and allergies.
- Circulation and Detoxification: Tanzanite is thought to support circulation and detoxification, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body and promoting overall vitality.
- Eye Health: Some believe that Tanzanite can benefit eye health and vision, reducing eye strain and enhancing visual clarity.
- Pain Relief: This stone is said to have pain-relieving properties, which may be useful for individuals dealing with chronic pain conditions.
Types of Tanzanite
Blue Tanzanite: This is the most sought-after type, known for its deep blue color that sometimes displays a violet secondary hue. The intensity of the blue color varies, with the deepest blue tanzanite being the most valuable.
Violet Tanzanite: These stones have a more dominant violet hue with blue overtones. While not as prized as the deep blue varieties, violet tanzanites are still highly valued for their uniqueness and beauty.
Bi-color or Tri-color Tanzanite: Some tanzanite gems exhibit two or more colors distinctly, including blue, violet, and sometimes a brownish or bronze hue. These stones are unique and can be quite beautiful, but they are generally less valuable than uniformly colored stones.
Green Tanzanite: Rarely, tanzanite can have a green color component, often seen alongside the more typical blue and violet. Green tanzanite is unusual and is considered collectible due to its rarity.
Pleochroic Tanzanite: Tanzanite is a pleochroic gem, meaning it can show different colors when viewed from different angles. In tanzanite, this property can display a range of blue, violet, and sometimes red or green hues. The pleochroic nature is a defining characteristic of tanzanite, adding to its allure.
Heated vs. Unheated Tanzanite: Most tanzanite undergoes heat treatment to enhance its blue and violet colors. Unheated or natural tanzanite, which retains its original color without any treatment, is very rare and highly prized among collectors.