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Jamming Gems Tanzanite Information
Tanzanite
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General Information:
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania, East Africa. East Africa is
the only location this rare and exotic colored gemstone has been found.
Tanzanite is a member of the Zoisite mineral group. Most commonly tanzanite is
found in a rich blue-purple, or brownish color, very rarely is it found in pure
blue. The specimans of tanzanite that are yellowish-brown in color are usually
heat treated to permanently draw out the blue-purple color. With its relative
newness into the gem world, today tanzanite is one of the most sought after
colored gems by collectors. Since tanzanite is only found in one small
location, it is a rare and costly gem, some pieces costing $1000 per carat or
more. |
Origin:
The only location tanzanite is found is Tanzania, East Africa. |
Common Treatments and Lab Created
Forms:
Tanzanite is commonly heat treated. While some pieces are found in the rich
desireable colors, this is just due to them already being heated naturally
while in the ground. Other pieces are found in a brownish color, and are heat
treated to bring out the violet to purple-blue hues.
At this time, there is no lab created tanzanite for sale on the market, but
that is not to say that it will never happen. There are simulated stones made
to have similar color to tanzanite and cubic zirconia is available in color
that resembles the exotic color of natural tanzanite. |
Physical Properties:
Moh's Scale Hardness: 6.5-7
Specific Gravity: 3.10-3.38
Refractive Index: 1.69-1.70
Fracture: Uneven to conchoidal
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Colors: gray, brown, violet, blue, reddish-purple, and tints of green.
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