“Unveiling Tanzanite’s Hidden Mystique: The Secret Sparkle of a Rare Gemstone”

Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone that was discovered in 1967 in the Mererani Hills of Northern Tanzania. It is known for its unique blue-violet color, which is caused by the presence of vanadium and other trace elements. Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, but it has quickly become one of the most popular and sought-after gemstones in the world.

Despite its popularity, Tanzanite’s hidden mystique and secret sparkle remain largely unknown to the general public. In a recent article titled “Unveiling Tanzanite’s Hidden Mystique: The Secret Sparkle of a Rare Gemstone,” the author explores the unique properties of Tanzanite and sheds light on the many mysteries surrounding this fascinating gemstone. The article delves into the history of Tanzanite, its geology, and its physical and chemical properties. It also explores the various cutting and polishing techniques used to enhance its beauty and brilliance.

Tanzanite Discovery and Geographic Origin

The Discovery of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone that was discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. According to legend, the discovery of tanzanite was made by a Masai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu, who stumbled upon some blue crystals while herding his cattle. The crystals were initially thought to be sapphires, but after closer examination, they were identified as a new gemstone.

Geological Formation

Tanzanite is a blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite, and it owes its unique color to the presence of vanadium and chromium. The gemstone is formed in metamorphic rocks that are subjected to high pressures and temperatures, and it is usually found in association with other minerals such as garnet, diopside, and graphite.

The Only Source: Merelani Hills

The Merelani Hills in Tanzania are the only known source of tanzanite, and they are located in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mining of tanzanite is a complex and challenging process that involves digging deep into the earth and extracting the gemstone from hard rock. The mining is done by hand, and it requires a great deal of skill and experience to extract the gemstones without damaging them.

Overall, tanzanite is a rare and beautiful gemstone that has captured the hearts of jewelry lovers around the world. Its unique color, coupled with its fascinating history and geographic origin, makes it a highly sought-after gemstone that is sure to remain popular for many years to come.

Characteristics and Properties of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone that is highly valued for its unique physical and optical properties. This gemstone was first discovered in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in 1967 and since then, it has become increasingly popular among gemstone collectors and enthusiasts.

Physical and Optical Properties

Tanzanite is a type of zoisite mineral that is composed of calcium, aluminum, and silicon. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it quite durable and resistant to scratches. The gemstone also has a specific gravity of 3.35 to 3.55, which is relatively high compared to other gemstones.

One of the most distinctive features of tanzanite is its pleochroism, which means that it exhibits different colors when viewed from different angles. This gemstone can appear blue, violet, or burgundy depending on the angle of observation. The phenomenon is caused by the presence of vanadium, which is a trace element found in the crystal structure of tanzanite.

Tanzanite Color Variations

Tanzanite is primarily known for its blue-violet color, which is the most common and desirable hue. However, this gemstone can also occur in other colors such as green, yellow, and brown. The green variety is known as green zoisite, while the yellow and brown varieties are called thulite and ruby zoisite, respectively.

The color of tanzanite is influenced by several factors such as the presence of vanadium, the lighting conditions, and the angle of observation. The most valuable tanzanite gemstones are those that exhibit a deep blue-violet color with a high degree of saturation and clarity.

Gemstone Grading and Value

Tanzanite is graded based on several factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a grading system for tanzanite that ranges from AAA to D, with AAA being the highest quality.

The value of tanzanite is determined by several factors such as the color, clarity, size, and rarity of the gemstone. The most valuable tanzanite gemstones are those that exhibit a deep blue-violet color with a high degree of saturation and clarity. Tanzanite is also more valuable when it is larger in size, with gemstones over 5 carats being extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.