A rough tanzanite held up to the light, glowing blue and violet.

Tanzanite

What is Tanzanite?

In a moment of awe, the Maasai of Tanzania beheld a wonder that transformed the realm of the jewellery industry. A lightning bolt struck the earth, illuminating the rocks with a dazzling blue radiance, creating the rare and breathtaking Tanzanite precious stone.

How was Tanzanite Born?

The Earth Moved

The Tanzanite's genesis lies in the tumultuous pan-African movement of tectonic plates, birthing a unique and precious stone.

A Bolt of Lightning

A lightning bolt struck the earth, illuminating the rocks with a dazzling blue radiance, creating the rare and breathtaking Tanzanite.

One Hill on Earth

There is only one source of high-quality Tanzanite in the world: a few square kilometres at the foot of Kilimanjaro, in northern Tanzania.

Rough stones on a white table, one glowing violet among the darker crystals.
Rough, as it comes from the hill

What is Inside a Tanzanite?

A rough tanzanite on black, turned so it shows deep blue. A rough tanzanite turned to show violet and blue together. A rough tanzanite turned to show its burgundy colour.

Trichroic

[adjective]

Showing three different colours when seen from three different directions.

Tanzanite's spellbinding allure lies in its trichroic properties, displaying a range of captivating hues from blue to violet-blue, and even hints of burgundy.

Turn the stone — choose a colour

A One-Generation Stone

A violet rough tanzanite held between finger and thumb against the light.

1,000×

Scarcer than diamonds

Words of the precious Tanzanite spread like wildfire, captivating people worldwide with its rarity. As there is only one source of high-quality Tanzanite, experts estimate that its supply may run out within a few decades, earning it the name of a “one-generation stone”.

A rough stone held to the light, glowing deep red.
Maasai elders gathered at dusk in northern Tanzania.

The Maasai & Tanzanite

The Maasai recognized its exceptional nature, sensing a potent energy emanating from the stone, resonating deeply within their souls.

  1. 01

    For the Maasai, Tanzanite represented more than just a precious stone; it symbolised their link to the earth and the hidden beauty it holds.

  2. 02

    As a cherished heirloom and December birthstone, it holds deep significance to the Maasai, who give it to women during childbirth.

  3. 03

    In lithotherapy, it is believed to foster spiritual awareness, alleviate stress and anxiety, and promote inner harmony and self-expression. It connects the heart and the third eye chakras and can assist in truthful communication, making it a valuable stone for empaths and counsellors.

A Symbol of Elegance

The jewellery world was enraptured by the Tanzanite's allure, and designers crafted exquisite pieces that highlighted its mesmerizing colour-changing characteristics.

On screen

The Heart of the Ocean

The legendary necklace worn by Kate Winslet in Titanic.

At court

A Royal Tiara

The Tanzanite tiara gifted to Queen Elizabeth II.

Did You Know?

  • Tanzanite is the birthstone for the month of December
  • It is mined in one place only, at the foot of Kilimanjaro
  • The Maasai say a bolt of lightning turned the rocks blue
A rough crystal on black, reflected in the surface beneath it.
  • Tanzanite is 1,000 times scarcer than diamonds
  • Experts believe its supply may run out within a few decades
  • One stone shows blue, violet-blue and burgundy
Watch the origins film

Gem story

Origins of the Blue Jewel

Tanzania, a nation steeped in lore, tells it as the Maasai do: a thunderbolt came down from the heavens, struck the earth, and transmuted the rock into a glistening blue. That was the birth of tanzanite.

Origins of the blue jewel
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