Introduction To Tanzanite
Blue gemstones have always held a special place in jewellery. Sapphires, aquamarines, and topaz have graced crowns and engagement rings for centuries. But in the late 20th century, a newcomer arrived on the scene: tanzanite.
Discovered only in the 1960s in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is still relatively new to the world of fine jewellery. Yet in just a few decades it has become one of the most sought-after gems. As jewellers with over 200 years of history at Charles Hart, we’ve seen trends come and go but tanzanite remains one of the most fascinating.
So how does it compare to the more established blue gemstones? And why are collectors drawn to it?
The Allure of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is celebrated for its extraordinary **pleochroism** the ability to show different colours depending on the angle. A well-cut stone can flash blue, violet, and sometimes even red tones.
When we first began handling tanzanite pieces in the 1970s, customers were struck by the intensity of colour. Unlike sapphires, which often have a darker, steadier blue, tanzanite seemed alive with shifting hues. Collectors who wanted something unusual, but still elegant, were instantly intrigued.
Because tanzanite is found in just one place in the world a small mining area in Tanzania it carries a rarity factor that few other gemstones can match. Once the mines are depleted, there will be no more. That sense of scarcity continues to drive interest today.
👉 Explore our Tanzanite Jewellery Collection
Comparing Tanzanite to Other Blue Gemstones
The natural rival to tanzanite, sapphire has a royal pedigree stretching back centuries. It’s harder (9 on the Mohs scale compared to tanzanite’s 6–6.5), making it more durable for everyday wear.
But sapphire’s classic appeal is also its limitation everyone knows it. Tanzanite offers collectors something more unusual: a stone with shifting colours and a much shorter, fascinating history.
Market Value
Tanzanite’s limited supply boosts its market value, particularly in vintage pieces. While sapphires are widely available and hold steady value, tanzanite’s exclusivity adds to its appeal as an investment gem.
Durability
With a hardness of 9, sapphire is ideal for daily wear. Tanzanite, softer at 6-7, requires careful handling, making it better suited for occasional wear.
Tanzanite vs. Aquamarine
Aquamarine is softer in colour a pale, sea-like blue. We’ve often advised customers choosing between aquamarine and tanzanite that it comes down to personality. Aquamarine suits someone who wants a serene, subtle look. Tanzanite, by contrast, makes a bolder, more dramatic statement.
Tanzanite vs. Blue Topaz
Color Comparison
Blue topaz is widely available and affordable, but it doesn’t have the same prestige or rarity. Many stones are treated to enhance colour. Tanzanite, while more delicate, is naturally striking and carries the weight of scarcity.
Collectors’ Perspective
From an investment standpoint, sapphires will always hold their ground because of their durability and centuries of demand. But tanzanite is unique in being both modern and finite. We’ve seen growing interest at auction in larger antique-style tanzanite rings, especially those from the 1970s and 1980s when the gem first made waves in European jewellery.
One of my favourite examples we handled was a cocktail ring from the late 1970s. The tanzanite stone was large, cushion cut, and framed by brilliant-cut diamonds. The colour shift was extraordinary in one light it appeared royal blue, and in another, deep violet. The customer who purchased it said they had “never seen anything like it.” That reaction sums up the magic of tanzanite.
Care and Considerations
Tanzanite is softer than sapphire, which means collectors need to take a little more care:
* Avoid wearing it daily for heavy-duty activities.
* Clean with mild soap and water, never ultrasonic cleaners.
* Store separately to prevent scratching.
Handled properly, a tanzanite piece can last for generations and its rarity means it will only become more treasured.
Final Thoughts
What sets tanzanite apart is not just its colour, but its story. Unlike sapphire, aquamarine, or topaz, it is a modern discovery with a finite supply. Collectors are drawn to its vibrancy, its rarity, and the sense that they are holding something truly unique.
At Vintage Tom, we’ve seen first-hand how tanzanite continues to captivate jewellery lovers. Whether set in a vintage ring or as part of a bold 1970s cocktail design, tanzanite stands apart from its blue gemstone cousins and it shows no signs of losing its allure.
👉 Browse our hand-picked collection of tanzanite jewellery and discover what makes this remarkable gemstone a favourite among modern collectors.