Loose Tanzanite Gemstones

Tanzanite’s extreme rarity stems from its singular geological occurrence – it’s found exclusively in a 7km² area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Unlike diamonds or rubies which occur in multiple locations worldwide, tanzanite exists in just one place on Earth. Discovered only in 1967, tanzanite is estimated to be 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Geologists believe the unique conditions that created tanzanite occurred just once in Earth’s history, making it truly one of nature’s rarest precious stones.

Tanzanite requires thoughtful care to preserve its natural beauty and value. With a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, tanzanite is more susceptible to scratching than diamonds or sapphires, so store it separately from harder gemstones. Clean your tanzanite using only warm water with mild soap and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners. Protect tanzanite from sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. When wearing tanzanite jewelry, apply cosmetics and perfumes before putting on your pieces to maintain the stone’s aesthetic appeal.

The value of high-quality tanzanite is determined primarily by four key factors. Color is paramount—the most valuable specimens display rich, saturated blue to violet-blue hues with minimal brown undertones. Clarity significantly impacts worth, with eye-clean stones commanding premium prices. Size substantially affects cost, as tanzanite prices increase exponentially with carat weight. Cut quality influences how the stone exhibits its pleochroism (multiple colors when viewed from different angles). Additionally, genuine conflict-free tanzanite with proper documentation carries greater value for collectors seeking authentic precious stone purchases.

Tanzanite ranks 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it softer than many popular gemstones used in everyday jewelry. This places tanzanite significantly softer than diamonds (10), sapphires and rubies (9), and emeralds (7.5-8). However, tanzanite’s hardness is comparable to garnets and slightly harder than opals and pearls. This moderate hardness means tanzanite is durable enough for rings, pendants, and earrings, but requires more careful handling than harder gems. When purchasing tanzanite, particularly for rings, it’s advisable to select protective settings that shield the stone’s edges.