Learn About Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the trade name for bluish-violet gemstones from the mineral Zoisite.   Tanzanite is named for the location of the only known deposit and that is Tanzania.  Zoisite is often pink or brown in color but when heated it transforms in to the beautiful stone we know today.  It's unique color is caused by strong pleochroism.  This means that the stone shows more than one color at a time, usually blue and violet but sometimes blue and green.  In many tanzanites, if you view them form different angles, you may see a difference in the color.