Until the 1960s, nobody had ever seen it. Today, it's one of the most coveted blue-violet gems on the planet.
Tanzanite: the gem the world only met in 1967
Most gems have been admired for thousands of years. Tanzanite is the glamorous newcomer, a deep violet-blue stone discovered in northern Tanzania in the late 1960s and loved ever since.
Read to the very end for the colour-changing party trick every tanzanite can perform.
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One place on Earth
🌍 Tanzanite is mined commercially in just one small area, the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Nowhere else has produced it in meaningful quantities, which is a big part of what makes it so special.
⚡ The story often told is that a bush fire, sparked by lightning, revealed glittering blue crystals in the hills. However it happened, the world quickly fell in love, and the gem was named after its home country.
🎄 Tanzanite is one of the December birthstones, joining turquoise and blue topaz.
'The Victoria' Marquise Tanzanite and Diamond 18ct White Gold Ring
£2,995
or 4 interest free payments of £748.75
A graceful marquise of tanzanite wrapped in diamonds and set in 18ct white gold. It's a ring with proper presence, made to be worn and adored.
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That famous blue-violet glow
Like most tanzanite on the market, the stones used in jewellery are typically gently heated, a standard, long-established step that brings out that signature rich blue-violet. The result is a colour somewhere between sapphire and amethyst, and absolutely nothing else looks quite like it.
Vintage Indigo Tanzanite and Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Cluster Chunky Ring | Size N
£1,995
or 4 interest free payments of £498.75
Deep indigo tanzanite and sparkling diamonds in chunky 18ct yellow gold. Bold, rich and wonderfully substantial. If you need a different fit, our ring resize page is the place to start.
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What tanzanite is often associated with
In crystal traditions, tanzanite is often associated with:
🔮 Intuition and insight
🦋 Transformation and new beginnings
🕊️ Calm and clarity
Vintage Pear Shaped Blue Tanzanite and Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Necklace
£2,995
or 4 interest free payments of £748.75
A pear of blue tanzanite hanging from a sparkling diamond setting in 18ct gold. It's the kind of necklace people ask about the moment you walk in.
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Easy care for a deep, dreamy shine
✨ A swish in warm soapy water and a soft cloth
🧽 Rinse and pat dry
👛 Give each piece its own pouch between wears
💍 Pop in for a professional clean and check whenever you like
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Tanzanite FAQs
Where does tanzanite come from?
Tanzanite is mined in just one area, near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania.
Is tanzanite a birthstone?
Yes, it's one of the birthstones for December.
What colour is tanzanite?
Rich blue to violet, and sometimes a deeper indigo. That's the signature look.
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What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Alfiya Davies
"excellent service, amazing jewellery, unique and very beautiful"
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The colour-changing party trick
Here's the payoff. Tanzanite is pleochroic, which means it can show different colours depending on the angle you look at it from. Turn a tanzanite and you can see flashes of blue, violet and sometimes a hint of burgundy. Skilled gem cutters choose the angle that shows off the most beautiful colour, so the stone arrives looking its absolute best.
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Own a piece of Kilimanjaro's treasure!
Rare, rich and totally mesmerising, tanzanite is a gem with a story to tell. Want more December birthstone tales? Read our guide to the December birthstones, then pop in and see our tanzanite for yourself.
📍 Eloise Jewellery, 156 High Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, KY1 1NQ
📞 01592 646340
✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm
Please note: the spiritual properties described in this article come from crystal traditions and folklore. They are not scientifically proven and are not a substitute for medical advice.