Loose Tanzanite Stones

Whatever the shape or size, loose tanzanite stones make a wonderful alternative to traditional precious stones.

Tanzanite is found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzanite is a beautiful stone. The colors range from the palest of blues to a deep violet, and it can be clear or opaque. Tanzanite can make an interesting alternative to sapphires. The range of colors in a tanzanite stone are similar to those available from blue sapphires and at approximately one third of the cost it can represent a significant cost saving.

Tanzanite is rare with an interesting history -- making loose stones highly collectible as well as being attractive in jewelry. A loose tanzanite stone can make a lovely and unusual gift.

Tanzanite has a fascinating, if short, history. It was first discovered in 1967 at a site near the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in the African country of Tanzania. The first stone was found by a Maasai tribesman, who took the chunk of translucent rock to be sapphire. Folk lore says that the stone was found after a lightening strike hit the ground. Gemological tests showed that the stone was not sapphire and did not resemble that of any other stone known.

As word spread of this new stone, miners rushed to the area to seek out the stone and between two million carats of gem quality tanzanite had been mined.

The Maasai tribesmen believed that tanzanite has mystical qualities and it is given to the tribes people’s first born child as a symbol of good luck.

Today, the popularity of tanzanite has extended internationally. With the inclusion of the stone in the world famous jewelers Tiffany’s range, the position of the stone as a real alternative to more traditional stones was sealed. Tanzanite was rated fourth most popular colored gemstone in the US in 2002, and in 2003, the American Gem Trade Association named tanzanite a December birthstone. This was the first and only addition to the list for nearly 100 years.

Loose stones can be used to make stunning tanzanite jewelry.

Tanzanite is extremely rare, only be found in a tiny area in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjara. As such, while it is significantly cheaper than sapphires and other precious stones, it is more expensive than other semi-precious stones. This adds to the exclusivity of the stone and makes it a highly desirable collectors or investment item as well as being stunning in jewelry.

Loose stones are available in a range of colors and styles. Faceted stones, cabochons, and beads are all available from reputable jewelry supply stores or gemstone merchants. The sizes of stones extend from tiny faceted stones of fine color and clarity, to large chunky beads where the stone may be opaque or with inclusions which add to the depth and interest of the bead.

Tanzanite is often heat treated to enhance the color. This can alter the make up of the stone and make it brittle. When buying a loose stone, the supplier should be able to advise whether the stone has been treated and of any special points to note. Care is recommended when setting a stone in a ring, or any item of jewelry which might take knocks.

Loose tanzanite stones can be set in a variety of jewelry items and looks particularly stunning when set in white gold.

There are alternatives to tanzanite, these include man-made as well as natural gemstones.

• Tanzanite Cubic Zirconica: This synthetic gemstone is available in many colors to replicate the wide range of hues of natural gemstones. Tanzanite cubic zirconica has recently become available and can be found at a variety of gemstone suppliers.

• Iolite: This is a blue gemstone which shares some of the qualities of tanzanite. It is more widely mined, making it much less rare.

• Aquamarine: Known for its distinctive coloring, aquamarine is also a popular alternative to cornflower sapphires.

• Glass and Crystal Beads: Crystal beads such as Swarvoski are available in named colors. Some of these offer a tanzanite-colored alternative.

A beautiful tanzanite stone will provide years of pleasure and will hopefully prove an unusual, yet sound, investment.

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