Tanzanite stone - varieties, magical and physical properties, compatibility according to the sign of the zodiac (69 photos)

Tanzanite is a very "young" gemstone that was only discovered in 1967. This rare gem managed to play a role in the movie "Titanic". Only tanzanite has managed to convey the charm of the "Heart of the Sea".

History and origin of the name

In 1967, blue stones were found at the foot of Kilimanjaro by local resident Ali Juyawati, which soon became one of the most expensive gems in the world. There are other opinions about the discoverer. It is also said that Manuel de Souza, a Portuguese gem finder, found the stone. In any case, it was he who identified the stone as a sapphire and did not give it any special value.

Everything changed after the meeting of the stone in 1968 with Henry Platt, the owner of the world-famous Tiffany company. Seeing the gem, Platt was literally fascinated by its amazing blue. He named the stone "Tanzanite" in honor of Tanzania.

In 1974, the stone was presented to the general public and became one of Tiffany's calling cards.

In addition to the name "tanzanite", it is also known as "blue zoisite".

Place of Birth

Tanzanite deposits can only be found in eastern Africa.

The gem is found only in shale clays that have undergone metamorphic transformations over hundreds of millions of years. It is often found together with quartz, scapolite and other minerals. Formed at temperatures of 600°C and a pressure of 2-3 thousand atmospheres. These pressures were created by the collision of the continents 550 million years ago. This mineral is not found anywhere else on earth.

Interesting: The largest known gem-quality cut tanzanite weighs 242 carats, the stone is in the collection of Michael Scott, the first CEO of Apple.

The possible presence of tanzanite is evidenced by porphyroblasts in the form of pockets. The discovery of such a multi-colored treasure of expensive gems is mined with great difficulty and is a great success. But it has everything at once: ultramarine-blue tanzanites, emerald-green tsavorites, purple-violet scapolites, and, in addition, transparent rock crystal along with its colored varieties.

They belong to zoisites - varieties of garnet. This is the only zoisite used in jewelry.

Physical Properties

Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5-7, glassy luster. Transparent. The break is uneven. Fragile. The color can be from sapphire blue to amethyst-violet, sometimes pink, green, lavender. Density 3.1-3.5 g/cm3. Refractive index 1.740.

Chemical properties and composition

Tanzanite is a calcium aluminum silicate like other grossulars. The color of this variety of garnet is due to the vanadium and chromium it contains.

The chemical formula is Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH).

Varieties

Actually, there are no varieties of tanzanite. They differ in intensity and shades of color.The most expensive gems are deep blue, not too light and not too dark. Tanzanites with purple hues are also valued.

Most often, when found, the stone does not represent anything remarkable, and its color is brown-brown. But if you heat the stone to 400-650 ° C, then a blue or purple color appears. True, some of the stones become discolored.

Interesting: The largest uncut tanzanite weighs 17,000 carats. Even experts did not dare to name its cost. The gem was recognized as priceless.

fakes

Tanzanite is easy to distinguish by pleochroism, that is, the change in shades when the stone is turned. The color of the stone should be natural, not poisonous.

When immersed in water, a light stripe can be seen at the edges of the stone.

It is easy to identify a glass fake by a significantly lower brilliance and refraction of light rays. In addition, a fake can be recognized by passing a stone on the glass. Natural tanzanite will leave a scratch, but a fake will not.

When fired, the stone becomes clean from inclusions and defects. Carefully examine the gem under a magnifying glass.

You can distinguish tanzanite from a fake by the price. The price of large stones starts from $2,000 per carat.

Other gems, such as sapphire, may be passed off as this rare stone. Only an experienced jeweler can distinguish them from tanzanite.

The worst thing is to get a glass fake pasted over with thin plates of tanzanite. In this case, pleochroism is observed, but the stone will quickly unstick. You can distinguish a fake only by looking at a stone under a magnifying glass.

The hallmark of this unique gem is trichroism. When the gem is turned, the color changes from blue to purple, and at certain angles yellow-brown or greenish-yellow tones appear.Unfortunately, these iridescent colors of tanzanite cannot be seen in the photo, so in case of doubt, contact experienced experts.

magical properties

Tanzanite is a very young gem, but its magical properties have already been studied.

It enhances intuition, helps to find the right solution and reveals psychic abilities.

This is a talisman of financial well-being, but he does not like lazy people. You should not expect a large amount of money to accidentally fall from a stone, it will be difficult to achieve success. The stone also contributes to family harmony; in a house with tanzanite, quarrels end before they start.

This stone loves fidelity in family life, he can punish traitors with illness or trouble at work. As soon as the person returns to the house, everything will pass.

Tanzanite will help you choose a calling and discover hidden talents.

Medicinal properties

With the help of tanzanite, you can restore and improve vision. To do this, you just need to peer into the stone when your eyes are tired from the monitor or small work.

Blue gem relieves migraines and headaches. For this purpose, it is recommended to wear earrings with tanzanite. Bracelets are worn to get rid of back pain.

Tanzanite helps to recover from illness, improves immunity, protects against colds and SARS.

To get rid of skin problems, it is useful to wash your face with water into which the stone has been lowered. Useful and wearing tanzanite in a frame of gold.

Zodiac signs

Tanzanite has no contraindications according to the signs of the zodiac. Ideal for water signs.

Rakov will relieve the painful attachment to the past and open up new perspectives.

Pisces will fill you with energy and give you self-confidence.

Scorpions will get rid of causticity and other character flaws.

Aries become more responsible with him and easier to find a common language with others.

Capricorns become more balanced and retain youthful looks.

Compatibility

The combination of tanzanite with diamonds or tsavorite is more common. Other combinations in one decoration are rare.

Can be worn with any other stones if desired. Tanzanite is quite friendly.

With citrine and amethyst, tanzanite attracts love, with topaz it helps in a career, and with a ruby it gives happiness in the family and success at work.

Jewelry with tanzanite

Tanzanite looks great when set in platinum or gold.

Jewelry with tanzanite can be very different: earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, bracelets, pendants. Their cost can be compared with a fortune. This stone is very difficult to process, so not every cutter will undertake such a job.

Tanzanites can also be found quite inexpensively if they don't meet the standards for clarity and clarity. Prices for rings with tanzanite start from 8 thousand rubles.

Interesting: The reserves of tanzanite in the world will last for 10-15 years. The cost of the stone will only increase.

stone care

Tanzanite is fragile and should be protected from bumps and drops. Store it in a separate box lined with a soft cloth. Tanzanite does not tolerate temperature extremes, so you should not wear it in winter. The same applies to saunas and baths. The stone should be removed before going to the steam room.

Also, the stone does not like water. Take it off before showering or taking a bath. You can wash the gem with water or a weak solution of baby soap, and then immediately dry it with a dry cloth.