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Tanzanite

Photo: Parent Géry / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Tanzanite

Also known as: Blue zoisite

Violet-blue gem found in only one small area near Mount Kilimanjaro – a December birthstone discovered in 1967.

  • ColourViolet-blue, Blue, Purple
  • Mineral groupZoisite
  • ChemistryCa₂Al₃(SiO₄)(Si₂O₇)O(OH)
  • Hardness (Mohs)6–7
  • Crystal systemOrthorhombic
  • Where it's foundTanzania (Merelani Hills) only
  • ChakraThroat, Third Eye, Crown
  • ZodiacSagittarius, Gemini, Libra
  • BirthstoneDecember

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is the blue-violet variety of zoisite, coloured by vanadium. It is found in only one place: a small area of the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was discovered in 1967, and Tiffany & Co. named it after its homeland and launched it to the world.

Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic, showing blue, violet and burgundy from different angles, and most is gently heated to bring out the blue. It is a birthstone for December.

Tanzanite astrology & birthstone

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Tanzanite meaning & traditional properties

Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition and calm communication in crystal traditions.

  • Transformation
  • Intuition
  • Calm

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Tanzanite

  • Wear tanzanite as your December birthstone.
  • Choose it for 24th anniversaries.

How to care for Tanzanite

Softer than many gems and has cleavage. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, knocks and sudden temperature changes. Clean with warm soapy water.

Looking for Tanzanite?

Tanzanite isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

  • Amethyst
    In our shop

    Amethyst

    Purple quartz, the February birthstone, famous since ancient Greece as the stone of calm and a clear head.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Tanzanite with a intuition & meditation ritual

A quiet meditation ritual for focus, intuition and clarity.

Traditionally paired with: Frankincense, myrrh, lotus or copal incense · A purple or white candle · Sage to clear the space

  • Clear the room with a little sage smoke and sit comfortably.
  • Light a purple or white candle and frankincense, lotus or copal incense.
  • Hold your crystal or rest it in front of you and breathe slowly for 5–10 minutes.
  • Note down any ideas or feelings that come up.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Tanzanite jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Tanzanite FAQs

Where is tanzanite found?

Only in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

What month is tanzanite?

December, with turquoise and zircon.

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  • Amethyst
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  • Ruby Zoisite

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