Glittering Stones >>Semi Precious Stones >> Tanzanite

Semi Precious Stone Tanzanite

The name tanzanite was a trade name coined by Tiffany & Co. shortly after the gem's were discovered, an obvious allusion to its country of origin. This was thought necessary in order to make the stone remarkable to the public: the name has since stuck as a varietals designation. Tanzanite's present-day popularity as a gemstone is very largely thanks to Tiffany's marketing campaigns. The mining of tanzanite nets the Tanzanian government approximately USD $15 million annually, the finished gems later being sold mostly on the US market for its sales totaling approximately USD $400 million annually.

Historical Facts of Tanzanite

Refractive index: 1.69 - 1.70

Chemical Composition: Ca2(Al,OH)Al2(SIO4)

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Density: 3.10 - 3.38

Color: Purple - Blue

Ocurrence: Tanzania

Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces

Gem Jewelry Tanzanite