Tanzanite :

Tanzanite is the blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite (Ca2(Al. OH)Al2(SiO4)3) discovered in the Meralani Hills of northern Tanzania in 1967, near the city of Arusha.It is a popular and valuable gemstone when cut,although its durability is somewhat lacking;its tendency to break sometimes precludes appropriate use as a ring stone.Tanzanite is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism,appearing alternately sapphire blue,violet, and sage-green depending on crystal orientation.However,most tanzanite is subjected to artificial heat treatment to improve its colour:this significantly subdues its trichroism.

This is a serious situation for the city of Jaipur,as one-third of its annual gem exports are of tanzanite. Some members of the industry fear the ban will set a precedent, leading Tanzania to ban the export of all raw gem material,including the country's production of tsavorite, diamond and ruby.


A lab created simulant of tanzanite is called tanzanique. It closely mimics the color of natural tanzanite however it does not display the same pleochroism. Tanzanite is the mineral zoisite, while tanzanique is fosterite.A periwinkle blue/lavender colored Cubic Zirconia has also recently come into general use as a tanzanite simulant.

In February 2006 TanzaniteOne Ltd. announced that they were moving forward with their marketing strategy to make Tanzanite "the" birthstone. They plan to market the rare gem as a stone one would give a child at birth, to celebrate new life.