Tanzanite was named after the country in which it was discovered – Tanzania. The highest quality of tanzanite (blue zoisite) is blue with no other hues, while the second-best quality has a violet shimmer alongside the blue.

The mineral zoisite had long been known when a beautiful, transparent blue stone was discovered in Tanzania in 1967. The then-president of Tiffany & Co described it as being the most beautiful blue stone to be discovered for 2000 years.

At first the gemstone was called by its mineral name, zoisite, but once it became obvious that this sounds like the word “suicide”, the trading name was changed to Tanzanite, after its country of origin. The stone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively soft, and it is naturally blue, violet and burgundy

Certificates only play an important role for untreated tanzanite; a certification of origin is unnecessary, as the stone has only ever been discovered in the aforementioned small area of Tanzania. Be careful with the idea that it might be cheaper to buy tanzanite directly near to where it is mined in Africa. The price there is usually three to four times the European price.

Browse through our comprehensive assortment of gorgeous loose stones to see our incredible selection available in many sizes, shapes, and colors. 🗺

The Big Five gemstones are Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Tanzanite. 🤍💙💚❤️💜
Their mind-numbing brilliance and show-stopping sparkle make them the center-stage delight!

Whether you're looking at a beautiful sapphire or a brilliant diamond, there are often “certifications” given to gemstones to prove their origin, grade, and/or rarity. Certifications offer buyers validation and confidence in their purchases.