Not Heat Tanzanite

Not Heat Tanzanite From Northern Tanzania .83 CT

Tanzanite is a rare, violet-blue gemstone that is a variety of the mineral zoisite. Found exclusively in the Mererani Hills of northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, it is famous for its trichroism—showing vibrant shifts of blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the viewing angle and lighting. 

Key Characteristics & Properties

• • Color: Typically shifts from deep sapphire-like blues to rich violets and purples. Nearly all tanzanite is heat-treated to eliminate the natural brownish-red tones and bring out the prized blue color. 

• Rarity: It is considered up to 1,000 times rarer than diamonds because it is sourced from a single, tiny 4.3 by 1.2-mile area in Tanzania. 
• Durability: Tanzanite ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. While suitable for daily wear in earrings or pendants, rings require careful wear to avoid scratching. 

History & Lore

• Discovery: First discovered in 1967 by a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu.
• The Name: Tiffany & Co. named the gemstone "tanzanite" after its country of origin, launching it into the global market in 1968.
• Significance: It is one of the modern birthstones for December and is the traditional gemstone given for 24th wedding anniversaries.