Top 3 things to know about buying a Tanzanite gemstone

Tanzanite, an exotic gemstone found exclusively near the depths of imposing Mount Kilimanjaro, is poised between the shades of royal blue, rich purple and a pleasingly vibrant violet. 

What is a Tanzanite gemstone? 

A relatively modern discovery, this blue-violet type of ‘zoisite’ mineral known as Tanzanite is related to the epidote group of minerals. The singular source of Tanzanite is in the Merelani hills of northern Tanzania.

The remarkably vibrant Tanzanite is actually rarer than a natural diamond as this mineral is mined commercially in only one location on earth. The earliest Tanzanite crystal was first identified by Ali Juuyawatu, a Masai tribesman. This stone owes its name to its unique place of origin and was named such by Tiffany & Co.

Unique and vivid colour

Tanzanite is a pleochroic crystal, a type of optical phenomenon where three different and distinct colours can be viewed in three directions when the crystal is tilted in various angles.

Because Tanzanite crystals display a range of colours depending on the viewing angle, gemstone cutters have the opportunity to fashion polished gemstones with a range of hues varying from intense violet-ish blue to a more vivid bluish violet. This process also depends on the amount of weight a cutter wants to preserve from the stone’s rough size. 

Since being unearthed in 1967, Tanzanite has become quite popular thanks to its royal colour. It has been recognised as one of the birthstones for the month of December, along with counterparts of turquoise, blue topaz and zircon. 

Tanzanite is also used beyond the realms of jewellery, as this gemstone is believed to have certain healing energies. In its colourful and natural crystal state, a Tanzanite is said to kindle the crown chakra, third-eye chakra and throat chakra. It supposedly has the power to activate our psychic abilities to facilitate communication with the supreme power. It is said to be a stone of transformation that helps dissolve the existing painful patterns of karma and disease. 

How to choose the best Tanzanite gemstone

• The most valued colour in a Tanzanite gemstone is the deeply saturated blue violet or violet blue, though the paler shades of Tanzanite are more commonly available. The colour of a Tanzanite is far less saturated in stones of smaller sizes. Fine colour can only be achieved in a gemstone that is over five carats in size. 

• As a pleochroic crystal, the cut of a Tanzanite gemstone is crucial. The cut decides how the colour is perceived by the consumer when the stone is set in a piece of jewellery. 

• Any eye-visible inclusion in a Tanzanite decreases its value, specifically more so in a lighter coloured gemstone. 

How much will a good Tanzanite cost?

The four quality factors of colour, clarity, cut and carat weight determine the value of a Tanzanite gemstone. The price of a one carat AAA richly coloured Tanzanite is around US$350 to US$450 per carat.

The price goes up to US$700 or US$800 per carat if the size of the stone is bigger than three carat or more. 

To have your own bespoke piece of jewellery either remade, or created new, call us at +65 6733 4100, visit our atelier at #05-04 International Building, 360 Orchard Road, Singapore 238869; or email us on bespoke@thejewelbox.com.