What is tansanita?

Tanzanite is a blue to violet-blue gemstone which is a variety of the mineral zoisite. It was first discovered in the Mererani Hills of Northern Tanzania in 1967. Tanzanite is known for its high clarity and unique color range, which can vary from blue to purple to violet, depending on the lighting conditions. It is commonly used in jewelry, particularly in engagement rings, and is said to bring calmness and clarity to the wearer. Tanzanite has a relatively high level of hardness, at around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a fairly durable gemstone. It is also commonly heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity. Tanzania is the only known source of tanzanite in the world.