Tanzanite: Meaning, Properties And Symbolism
Are you curious about the meaning and powers of tanzanite? This rare gemstone, found only in Tanzania, is famous for its stunning blue-violet hues and high vibrational energy. Let’s explore more of its unique meanings, properties, and symbolism.
Key Takeaways
- Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania. It was discovered in 1967.
- It is an extremely rare blue variation of a more common zoisite. Tiffany & Co. coined the name “tanzanite” and made the gem popular worldwide.
- Gems show unique pleochroism – they change color from blue to violet when viewed from various angles.
- It symbolizes transformation, self-awareness, creativity, and healing. This gem helps with emotional balance by reducing stress and bad feelings. It also boosts intuition and supports meditation.
Table of Contents
What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a rare dark blue variety of zoisite. Its unique blue color comes from trace amounts of vanadium in zoisite.
Zoisite is an otherwise common mineral that comes in many colors. But the striking blue-violet variety – tanzanite – is found only in a single location in the world – at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a powerful gemstone primarily associated with transformation, communication, and spiritual growth.
- Transformation: Helps dissolve old patterns and stimulates personal growth
- Intuition: Improves psychic abilities and connects individuals with their inner wisdom
- Communication: Supports clear self-expression and emotional healing
The color-changing nature of tanzanite represents transformation, making it a powerful stone for those seeking change. Its dynamic colors symbolize personal growth and renewal, reminding you that change leads to progress.
Tanzanite opens your mind to positivity and growth.
Wearing tanzanite crystal may help with your spiritual growth and mindfulness. You can use it to boost your intuition. It’s said to make meditation deeper too.
Tanzanite is also the latest addition to the “official” Jewelers of America birthstone chart. The unique and exceptionally rare blue gem joined the list in 2002 as a December birthstone.
Tiffany & Co’s Henry Platt named the gem “tanzanite” after Tanzania, its country of origin. Describing it as “the loveliest blue gemstone discovered in over 2000 years”, Tiffany & Co. made tanzanite popular worldwide.
Tanzanite Emotional Healing Properties
The stone enhances emotional healing and supports mental rebirth by encouraging self-reflection and inner strength. It works by clearing away bad feelings that block your spirit and emotions. It will help you feel more confident in yourself and aid you in self-discovery journeys.
You can use tanzanite to create harmony in your life. The stone is great for meditation if you’re feeling out of balance or looking for stress relief.
Other tanzanite emotional benefits are:
- Calmness: Reduces anxiety and stress
- Emotional balance: Helps process and release emotional blockages
- Personal empowerment: Encourages you to step into your full potential
Overall, tanzanite’s unique properties make it a powerful stone for those seeking spiritual growth and self-discovery.
Tanzanite Metaphysical Properties and Chakra Connections
Tanzanite is a high-vibration crystal that carries distinctive metaphysical properties:
- Facilitates spiritual exploration
- Provides protection during personal transformations
- Connects the mind and heart
- Helps individuals recognize and pursue their life’s mission
- Clears negative energies and promotes positive vibrations
Tanzanite gem links all chakra points in the body, from the base to higher crown chakras. It helps you feel balanced and calm inside, linking the physical realm to the higher mind.
By bolstering your connection with spiritual dimensions, this gem amplifies your psychic abilities and vibratory rates. You experience a stronger bond with higher dimensions.
Tanzanite is connected to multiple chakras, particularly:
- Throat Chakra: Promotes authentic and clear communication
- Third Eye Chakra: Awakens intuition and spiritual insight
- Heart Chakra: Balances emotional understanding
It stimulates the third-eye and crown chakras, fostering inner tranquillity during periods of change or life transitions. It grants serenity to your mind, aiding clear thinking.
This stone converts unwelcome energy into positive vibrations.
Spiritual Properties of Tanzanite
Tanzanite holds the title of “Stone of Magic” because it is a potent high-vibration crystal for those eager to progress their spiritual exploration.
With connections to the higher throat, third eye, and crown chakras, it helps you talk better, see things more clearly in your mind, and connect to higher thinking.
It enhances psychic experiences, making them stronger and safer by keeping bad energies away. It helps you talk to your inner self or even explore the spiritual world with less fear and more protection.
Physical Properties of Tanzanite
| Chemical formula: | (Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)) |
| Crystal System: | Orthorhombic |
| Mohs hardness: | 6-7 |
| Locations: | Only found in single location in Tanzania |
Chemical Properties of Tanzanite
Chemically, tanzanite is a calcium aluminum silicate hydroxide. It has the chemical formula (Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)).
This mix of elements – calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen – is all common in the Earth’s crust and in the zoisite family. To get the unique blue color, you need to add traces of vanadium.
Tanzanite Mineral Properties
Tanzanite is a rare variety of the mineral zoisite. Zoisite comes in many colors. But the striking blue-violet variety – tanzanite – is found only in a single location in the world – at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha.
The unique blue tanzanite’s color comes from trace amounts of vanadium in zoisite. As the two tectonic plates with different mineral compositions met to form Mt. Kilimanjaro, deep under the foot of the mountain, the pressure and heat gave birth to tanzanite.
Tanzanite was discovered in 1967, and no other deposits are known to this day. Gemologists predict that tanzanite deposits may be depleted within 10-20 years, by the end of 2040’s, making it an increasingly valuable and collectible gemstone. This scarcity has made tanzanite an attractive investment and a potential heirloom
Zoisite and tanzanite crystallize in an orthorhombic crystal system.
Tanzanite Mohs Hardness
On the Mohs scale, tanzanite has a hardness between 6 and 7, so it is a relatively soft gemstone.
Tanzanite Color
Tanzanite displays amazing colors, from blue to violet-blue. Its hues shift dramatically depending on how you view it, making it truly unique.
Only less than 1% of the stones have the deepest blue colors naturally. Heat treatment is an accepted method of making these gems brighter and more beautiful.
Pleochroism in Tanzanite
The unique quality of tanzanite changing colors when viewed from different angles is called pleochroism. Raw crystal is trichroic, meaning it displays three shades – blue, purple, and yellow.
Most of the mined stones are heat-treated to enhance their look and color. This removes the yellow/brownish hues and adds color saturation to the blue to create the iconic dark blue colored stone. After heating, tanzanite stones become dichroic. You mostly notice two colors—blue and purple.
When you move the stone around, these colors shift and change. It’s like having multiple stones in one.
Tanzanite Refractive Index
Thanks to high refractive index, tanzanites also have a bright, clear look, with lots of brilliance and sparkle – all highly desirable properties in a gemstone.
Tanzanite has a refractive index of 1.691 to 1.700. This number measures how light interacts inside the stone. Crystals with a higher refractive index have greater brilliance because they bend light at a sharper angle, creating more internal reflections.
The History of Tanzanite and Its Discovery
Unlike other stones that have been known for centuries (think turquoise), tanzanite is a very recent discovery and a new gem.
The rare blue gemstone was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Initially mistaken for olivine by prospector Manuel de Souza, experts later identified it as a unique variety of zoisite.
Tiffany & Co. named it “tanzanite” in 1968 to highlight its Tanzanian origin.
Between 1967 and 1971, miners extracted nearly 2 million carats before the mines were nationalized by the government.
Its designation as a December birthstone in 2002 further amplified demand, driving interest among collectors and jewelers alike.
The largest tanzanite stones ever found were discovered in June 2020 by a small-scale miner named Saniniu Laizer. The two record-breaking stones weighed 9.27 kg (20.4 pounds) and 5.103 kg (11.25 pounds). Laizer sold these two massive gemstones to the Tanzanian government for $3.4 million.
How to use Tanzanite
Tanzanite, with its captivating blue-violet hues, is a versatile gemstone that can be incorporated into various aspects of daily life to harness its unique properties. Here are some practical ways to use tanzanite:
Meditation Aid: Holding or placing tanzanite nearby during meditation can enhance focus and deepen your practice. Its calming energy promotes inner peace and balance, making it an excellent companion for mindfulness exercises.
Jewelry: Wearing tanzanite as jewelry allows you to keep its energy close throughout the day. Whether in the form of earrings, necklaces, or rings, tanzanite’s beauty and metaphysical properties can support emotional healing and personal growth.
Home Décor: Placing tanzanite crystals in your living or workspace can create a serene environment. Its presence is believed to encourage harmony and positive energy flow within the space.
Chakra Balancing: Tanzanite is associated with the throat and third-eye chakras. Using it during chakra balancing sessions can aid in enhancing communication and intuition.
Stress Relief: Carrying a small piece of tanzanite in your pocket or purse can serve as a touchstone during stressful moments, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote calmness.
Incorporating tanzanite into your daily routine can provide both aesthetic pleasure and support for your emotional and spiritual well-being.
Tanzanite Jewelry
Tanzanite jewelry is a great way to showcase and enjoy this unique gemstone. Tanzanite jewelry is stunning and elegant, perfect for any occasion, and as unique as you.
Tanzanite rings
Tanzanite rings offer a unique and vibrant addition to your jewelry collection. The pleochroism – color shift when viewed from different angles – is best at play in rings.
Avoid wearing your ring during heavy tasks to prevent scratches or breaks. They work best as occasional wear rather than everyday pieces due to their fragility.
Jewelry for special occasions
solid 14k rose gold snowdrift moissanite ring art deco sapphire diamond wedding ring band
Pear Blue Tanzanite Ring – Halo Rose Gold Wedding Ring Set
Tanzanite earrings
Tanzanite earrings are a popular choice as an alternative to blue sapphire earrings. With proper care to prevent scratches, they can be suitable for regular wear and maintain their vibrant look.
Their unique hues make them versatile accessories for many occasions. Silver or white gold enhances tanzanites vibrant blue color beautifully.
Stud Earrings
A pair of 14k gold tanzanite accent stud earrings adds timeless charm to any look.
Hoop Earrings
Tanzanite necklaces
Tanzanite necklaces with their vibrant hues stand out amongst other jewelry pieces. They are perfect for special occasions or as meaningful gifts because they signify transformation and rebirth.
Since tanzanite stimulates the third-eye and crown chakras, wearing a tanzanite necklace may help in your metaphysical and spiritual transformations, converting negative energy into positive vibes and promoting emotional balance.
Sterling Silver Choices
Sterling silver bands paired with tanzanite create a modern yet affordable option. These are perfect for casual or simple styles.
White Gold Jewelry
White gold beautifully complements the deep blue hues of tanzanite. Necklaces and bracelets in white gold make subtle yet striking gifts.
Yellow Gold Designs
Yellow gold brings warmth and contrast to tanzanite’s cool tones, making pendants or earrings bold and classic pieces.
Raw Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
A single tanzanite stone set in a delicate chain becomes a meaningful keepsake, especially for the ones born in December.
Tanzanite bracelets
Bracelets featuring tanzanite can be paired with diamonds for added sparkle and symbolism.
How to Care for Tanzanite Jewelry
Tanzanite is a relatively soft gemstone, making it delicate and special. You need to handle it with care to keep its beauty intact.
- Avoid wearing Tanzanite during heavy activities like gardening or gym workouts. This helps prevent damage or scratches.
- Use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush to clean it gently. Rinse well under water to remove soap completely.
- Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. These can harm the stone’s structure.
- Store Tanzanite jewelry separately from other items. It prevents scratches caused by harder stones or metals rubbing against it.
- Keep your pieces in a fabric-lined box or a soft pouch for added protection when not in use.
Tanzanite and Zodiac Signs
Tanzanite is a powerful gemstone with unique connections to several zodiac signs. Known for its calming and transformative energies, tanzanite is especially beneficial for individuals born under the signs of Sagittarius, Capricorn, Pisces, and Gemini.
Sagittarius: Tanzanite helps Sagittarians (November 22 – December 21) enhance their communication skills and find balance between their adventurous spirit and need for grounding.
Capricorn: For Capricorns (December 22 – January 19), tanzanite supports emotional healing and encourages them to open up and embrace their intuitive side.
Pisces: This gemstone resonates deeply with Pisces (February 19 – March 20), amplifying their natural creativity and spiritual connection while providing protection against negative energies.
Gemini: Tanzanite aids Geminis (May 21 – June 21) in focusing their dual nature, promoting clarity and balance while enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and authentically.
Tanzanite’s influence on these zodiac signs makes it a valuable tool for personal growth, emotional balance, and spiritual development.
Conclusion
Tanzanite is a rare and stunning gem with deep meaning. Its vibrant colors symbolize transformation, intuition, and spiritual growth. This gemstone offers emotional healing, clarity of mind, and higher awareness.
It can help you trust your strengths and connect to deeper truths. Whether for jewelry or metaphysical uses, its beauty shines brightly. Add it to your life for its elegance and symbolic power.
Explore more ways this unique stone can inspire and transform you!
FAQs
What is the meaning of tanzanite?
Tanzanite symbolizes transformation, spiritual growth, and emotional balance. It is often linked to calmness and intuition.
What are the main properties of tanzanite?
Tanzanite is known for its deep blue-violet color, pleochroism (showing different colors from different angles), and rarity since it’s only found in one location in the world – in Northern Tanzania.
Why is tanzanite considered special?
Tanzanite is a rare gem that comes from only one place on Earth—Merelani Hills at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania. It is expected that the tanzanite mining area will be depleted by the end of 2040’s, making it an increasingly valuable and collectible gemstone.
Does tanzanite have any meanings tied to healing?
Yes, many believe tanzanite promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and helps with connecting to higher consciousness or inner peace.
Does tanzanite have symbolic significance?
Yes, many believe that tanzanite represents intuition, creativity, and higher consciousness. It’s also thought to help strengthen relationships and inspire positive energy.
Where does Tanzanite come from?
True to its name, tanzanite comes from Tanzania. It is only found in one place on Earth – at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, in the Merelani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha.
