Tanzanite Beads

Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 in Northern Tanzania, Africa, and is found only there. There is some chance that the government may restrict exports of tanzanite in the future, and thus the availability of this beautiful lavender stone would be curtailed.

The cost of tanzanite has been rising substantially in recent years, primarily due to the fact that small mine owners require a substantial work force to do the work of pulling out sand bags in the production process. Because the cost of supplies such as food, torches, batteries, and medicine for such a work force is very high, many small mines have closed. As the shallow mines are played out, the tanzanite can only be found at deeper depths. This not only increases the need for more workers, but also adds the complications of reaching the water table, which adds the burden of water removal during mining.

Tanzanite is a blue variety of zoisite. Tanzanite was named by Tiffany's in 1969, as a marketing effort to improve on the name zoisite.

This stone is trichroic, which means it is a different color depending on the viewing angle. The colors are blue, purple, and bronze. It is generally bronze when mined, but heat treatment causes the blue to come out. The blue color is more expensive than the purple.

Tanzanite has been added to the list of December birthstones in addition to zircon and turquoise.

African belief says tanzanite helps people deal with pressure.

common treatments: heat

special care: avoid acids and ultrasonic cleaners

hardness: 6.5 - 7