Compared with the classical precious gems, Tanzanite is a relatively newcomer to the stage, but during its short presence in the spotlight this rare and elegant jewel has captured the hearts of many and has the power to fascinate most everyone who beholds it. It is truly an ageless stone that is transcends cultures and styles. It looks equally wonderful on women of all ages and accentuates their individuality and self-confidence.

• Color
• What to look for
• Holidays & Celebrations
• Name
• Folklore & Healing
• Sources
• Origins & Treatments
• Care & Cleaning

The most coveted color of this rare stone is blue, with rich, gorgeous tints of purple glowing around it. Sometimes depending on the stone's size and origins its color ranges from ultramarine to very light purplish blue. Depending on the perspective at which it is observed it is quite usual for Tanzanite to display different shades of the blue, purple and brownish-yellow colors.

The stone is not only set apart by its bewitchingly exquisite color it is also very valuable because it is so rare and is found in only one location on earth. As with most colored gemstones the color of the Tanzanite is the most intense in larger stones (above 10 carat) and the smaller stones are paler in shade. Though these stones are very rare, there are no synthetic versions of it currently available, so at this time you do not need to worry about "counterfeit" Tanzanite. It occurs as a fairly clear crystal, so when you are choosing a Tanzanite it should be eye-clean.

Tanzanite is usually suggested as a gift for the following holidays and special dates:

• Modern birthstone of December.
• Stone for the couples celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary.

The name of the Tanzanite is derived from the name of the country where it was found and was coined by Tiffany's when it decided to promote the stone of the century. Besides always reminding people of its rare, unique occurrence in the east of Africa, this new exotic name replaced the stone's original gemological name (blue Zoisite) which was too close to the work "suicide."

Tanzanite is a relatively young stone and therefore doesn't have many myths and legends associated with it: yet. The legend of its discovery states that the Masai cattle herders first observed that the typically brown crystals of Zoiscite have turned deep blue-purple, in the area where a massive fire, which was caused by lightning, burned about 30 years before.

Though the stone is a newly found treasure, for its color, rarity and texture to many people it has come to symbolize the flawless, even if a bit unusual elegance, cool grace and impeccable style.

Tanzanite could only be found in the Merelani Hills near Arusha, in the North of Tanzania (East Africa).

Tanzanite is the deep blue form of the mineral Zoisite and is not very hard; in fact its structure makes it somewhat delicate and fragile. Because most rough stones are mostly found with large amounts of brownish-yellow hues virtually all Tanzanite is heat-treated, in an oven at approximately 500?C, to bring to live its gorgeous bluish-purple color. The effects of heating are permanent and will not wear off. If the original rough stones were clear, and the heating was done correctly the resulting stone is clear and poses the rich, deep purplish-blue that everybody loves, otherwise impurities in the rough will become fissures in the treated stone and will decrease its structural integrity and price.

These stone rate 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs' hardness scale and are really fairly soft and brittle, but with care it is still suitable for everyday wear. Especially taking into consideration their somewhat fragile structure these stones should be protected against impact that can scratch, chip or split them, high pressure. Tanzanite should not be cleaned in a steamer or an ultrasonic machine. Like most jewels it should not be exposed to the light and heat for prolonged periods of time or to sudden temperature changes.

Avoid any contact with acids and any other harsh chemicals. Your safest bet is to wash your jewelry in a warm solution of mild liquid detergent and water. If you need to use a brush, make sure that is very soft and scrub very gently. Remember to rinse and dry thoroughly after you're done cleaning.