Jewelry Guide - Gemstones

Precious: Emerald Ruby Sapphire

Semi Precious: Tanzanite Garnet Amethyst Citrine Peridot Blue Topaz Opal

Tanzanite

- Mohs hardness rating: 6-7

- Found in Tanzania.

This extremely rare purple gemstone is found only in East Africa. Its official name is Zoisite, after a major collector Zois.

The first major source of this dreamily translucent blue-violet gemstone was discovered in 1967 in Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. gave Zoisite its trade name, "Tanzanite," in 1969.

Modern lore holds that the wearer of Tanzanite is protected from overstressed mental and emotional states, helping one to focus and organize difficult tasks better. It is said to elevate the wearer’s mood and to promote a clear, well-balanced outlook on life.