Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite, found in a single mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. It rates 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it suits pendants and earrings well and needs a protective setting in a ring worn every day. Most tanzanite is gently heated to bring out its blue; the treatment recorded for each stone is listed on its product page.
MYGEMSET sells natural loose tanzanite for custom rings, pendants and earrings. Every stone is filmed in 4K video, so you see the exact gem before you buy, and it ships in a tamper-evident sealed gem jar.
Tanzanite is one of the three December birthstones, alongside zircon and turquoise.
Loose Tanzanite Buying Questions
What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is the blue to violet gem variety of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate. It was first identified in 1967 and is mined only in northern Tanzania, which makes it one of the few gemstones with a single known source.
Is tanzanite a natural gemstone?
Yes. Tanzanite is a naturally occurring mineral. Glass and other blue imitations are sold under its name, which is why a laboratory report that identifies the stone matters. Where a stone on this page has a report, the laboratory is named on its product page.
Is tanzanite heat-treated?
Nearly all tanzanite is heated at low temperature to turn brownish crystals blue to violet. The treatment is stable, permanent and accepted throughout the trade, and a lab report normally records it. The treatment recorded for each MYGEMSET stone is stated on its product page.
Is tanzanite hard enough for an engagement ring?
With care. Tanzanite rates 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and can chip if struck, so it is best in pendants, earrings or rings worn occasionally. For a daily ring, choose a protective setting such as a bezel or halo, and never clean tanzanite in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner.
Is tanzanite a December birthstone?
Yes. Tanzanite was added to the list of December birthstones in 2002 and shares the month with zircon and turquoise. Read our December birthstone guide for how the three compare.
How can I see the stone before buying?
Every MYGEMSET stone is filmed in 4K video, so you see the actual tanzanite you are buying, not a stock image.
