Tanzanite is a gemstone with a captivating aura, prized for its unique blue to violet hues. Discovered in 1967 near the Mererani Hills in the northern Tanzanian region of Manyara, this rare gem is found exclusively within this locale. The limited geographic origin of tanzanite adds to its allure and desirability among gem enthusiasts. It is named after Tanzania, the only country where this precious stone can be sourced, highlighting its rarity and special standing in the gemstone market.
This blue-violet variety belongs to the epidote mineral group and is scientifically known as a variety of zoisite. The presence of vanadium in its composition is what imparts the distinctive colors for which tanzanite is famed. The ability to exhibit different colors when viewed from various angles—a property known as pleochroism—gives cutters the creative flexibility to enhance its blue, violet, or purplish hues depending on the chosen cut and angle.
What Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a precious gemstone noted for its striking blue-to-violet coloration. It is prized for its rarity and aesthetic appeal in jewelry.
What Is It Made Of?
Tanzanite is composed of the mineral zoisite, which is a calcium aluminum hydroxyl sorosilicate. It obtains its distinctive blue and violet hues from small amounts of vanadium within its crystal structure. The stone ranks between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Where Is It Found?
The only known source of tanzanite is in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. This gemstone’s geographic origin is so limited that it adds to the stone’s rarity and value.
Who Started Using It?
Tanzanite was first introduced to the gemstone market by Tiffany and Company, who named it after Tanzania, the country where it was discovered. The trade name ‘tanzanite’ was coined by the company to highlight the gem’s exclusive geographic origin. Tanzanite’s first discovery is attributed to a Masai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu in 1967.
What Is Tanzanite For?
Tanzanite is a gemstone that serves various purposes, ranging from aesthetic adornment to believed metaphysical benefits. It is often used in jewelry and is said to facilitate a deeper spiritual connection and enhance communication.
| Crystal: | Tanzanite |
|---|---|
| Chakras: | Etheric, Crown, Third eye, Throat, Heart |
| Zodiac Signs: | Gemini |
| Best for: | Inter-dimensional Communication, Spiritual Awakening, Awareness, Truth, Sense of Purpose |
How Do You Use It?
Tanzanite is primarily set in various types of jewelry such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. This gem’s captivating colors make it a sought-after stone for both special occasions and everyday wear. Beyond its ornamental use, individuals may use tanzanite in meditation practices to support personal growth and discovery.
What Chakras Is It Associated With?
Chakras: Tanzanite is associated with multiple chakras:
- Etheric Chakra – Believed to enhance spiritual exploration
- Crown Chakra – Associated with higher states of consciousness
- Third Eye Chakra – Connected to intuition and insight
- Throat Chakra – Related to communication and self-expression
- Heart Chakra – Often linked to compassion and emotional balance
How Big Is It Normally?
The size of tanzanite gemstones can vary widely. While tanzanite can be found in larger sizes, stones used in jewelry are commonly cut into smaller carat weights to fit various settings. The availability of large, high-quality tanzanite crystals on the market is limited, owing to the gemstone’s rarity and the specific conditions required for its formation.
What Is The Purpose Of Wearing Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is not only admired for its striking beauty but also its alleged metaphysical properties. Many wearers believe that it offers various benefits, both emotional and physical.
Where Do You Put It On Your Body?
One commonly wears tanzanite set in rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Placement on the body might align with certain beliefs in crystal healing. For instance, a necklace may be worn so that the tanzanite rests near the throat, which is said to foster better communication and self-expression. Rings or bracelets may be chosen to keep the stone in constant physical contact with the body, which some believe enhances its purported energetic benefits.
Alternatives to Tanzanite
Other Crystals For Awareness
While tanzanite is renowned for its ability to enhance clarity and intuition, other remarkable crystals also contribute to awareness. They are unique in composition and esteemed for their metaphysical properties.
Celestite
Celestite, also known as Celestine, carries a gentle, uplifting energy. This crystal is believed to sharpen mental clarity, allowing one to access higher states of awareness. It is often recommended for facilitating communication with the angelic realms and can be utilized during meditation to foster a deeper understanding of one’s inner spirit.
- Color: Typically soft blue, but can range to colorless or other light shades
- Chakra: Primarily associated with the Throat and Third Eye Chakras
- Common Uses: It aids in mental clarity, peace of mind, and celestial communication.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a crystal steeped in history and reverence, often associated with the pursuit of knowledge and truth. It is purported to open the mind to beauty and intuition, providing an inner vision that is clear and focused. Sapphires are also seen as stones of wisdom, attracting prosperity and protecting from negative energies.
- Color: Comes in a variety of colors, but is most known for its deep blue tones
- Chakra: Connected with the Third Eye Chakra, enhancing insight and mental agility
- Common Uses: Enhances wisdom, mental focus, and psychic awareness.
Other Crystals For Truth
While Tanzanite is a gemstone known for spiritual exploration, other crystals are also celebrated for their connection to truth. They are sought after for their believed abilities to enhance communication, self-expression, and the discovery of one’s inner truth.
Almandine
Almandine, also known as Almandite, is a variety of garnet that is often deep red or reddish-brown. Historically, it is associated with strength and security, which can provide the grounding necessary for truth-seeking. It’s thought to encourage a sense of clarity, enabling one to speak their truth with courage and conviction.
Ammolite
Ammolite is an opal-like organic gemstone made from the fossilized shells of ammonites. It exhibits a bright, iridescent play-of-color and is believed to stimulate energy and stamina. This can aid in the communication of truth by amplifying one’s presence and personal power, thereby fostering an environment where truth can be shared openly.