Tanzanite is one of the few gemstones in the world with a known, fixed source. All tanzanite comes from a single mining area at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania — a zone estimated to be several kilometers long. When those deposits are exhausted, tanzanite will no longer be available from the ground. This geological reality gives the stone a rarity argument that few other gemstones can match.

The color of tanzanite is unlike any other stone. At its finest, it displays a deep violet-blue with flashes of purple — a combination that shifts subtly depending on the light source and angle of viewing. In daylight, the blue dominates. Under incandescent light, the violet becomes more prominent. This optical quality, known as pleochroism, means tanzanite reads differently throughout the day, which makes it particularly compelling in earrings and pendants where movement amplifies the effect.

Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale — lower than sapphires or rubies, which means it requires more careful handling. Protective settings reduce exposure to impact and extend the life of the stone. With appropriate care, tanzanite works well across all jewelry types — rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets.

Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 and introduced to the wider market by Tiffany & Co., who named it after its country of origin. Despite its relatively recent entry into the gemstone world, it has become one of the most sought-after colored stones globally. As one of the traditional birthstones for December, it is a particularly meaningful choice for personal and gift purchases.

White gold and platinum are the natural pairing for tanzanite — they allow the violet-blue to read without interference and complement the stone's cool, refined character. Yellow gold creates a warmer contrast that can draw out the purple tones in certain lights.

Explore tanzanite jewelry by type: rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. For tanzanite rings specifically, our tanzanite rings collection offers pieces selected around the stone's particular character. For jewelry built around a specific certified tanzanite — with documented quality and treatment status — our bespoke service is the right starting point. You may also be interested in sapphire jewelry, ruby jewelry, emerald jewelry, or tourmaline jewelry.