Natural Tanzanite Stone in Pakistan

A single source and a shifting colour

Tanzanite is the blue to violet form of the mineral zoisite. With only one mining area, supply is limited, and that rarity is a big part of its pull for collectors. It is also strongly trichroic: turn a stone and you may see blue, violet and, from some directions, a burgundy or bronze tone. The cutter chooses which colour faces up, which is why some stones look bluer and others more violet.

Heating is the norm

Most rough tanzanite comes out of the ground brownish or greenish-blue. Gentle heating removes the brown and brings out the blue-violet everyone recognises. This is standard, stable and expected for nearly all tanzanite on the market. Coatings and other treatments are a different matter and must be declared. We state known treatments on every listing.

How tanzanite is graded

• Saturation - the deepest, most vivid blue to violet-blue is the most valued; pale lavender stones cost much less.
• Blue or violet - many buyers prefer a bluer face, though a rich violet has its fans too.
• Clarity - tanzanite is usually eye-clean, so visible inclusions lower its rate.
• Cut and size - a well-proportioned cut shows the best colour, and colour tends to look stronger in bigger stones, so size has a large effect on price.

To compare listings, divide price by carat weight.

Is it real?

Natural tanzanite shows its colour shift as you tilt it and feels cool. Common substitutes include glass, synthetic forsterite and blue-violet lab corundum, which may look one flat colour from every angle or contain bubbles. Coated stones can show scratched or patchy colour along facet edges. Our authenticity page explains how we check, and independent testing is always an option.

Belief and modern lore

Tanzanite was only discovered in the 1960s, so it has no place in classical astrology. Modern crystal lore links it with calm, insight and clear thinking, and it is one of the December birthstones. Some buyers wear it as a blue alternative to Neelam, though astrologers treat the two differently. These are beliefs, not guaranteed effects.

Care

At about 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, with a cleavage direction, tanzanite needs a little looking after. Avoid knocks, sudden temperature changes and ultrasonic or steam cleaners; warm soapy water and a soft brush are all it needs. It is happiest in pendants, earrings and rings worn with care.

Ordering from Authentic Gems

We check every stone and photograph it as it is. Delivery is a flat Rs. 500 by insured, tracked courier: Karachi usually 1 to 2 working days, Lahore, Islamabad and other major cities 2 to 4, smaller towns up to about 7. Pay Cash on Delivery once you have looked at the stone, and return it unused within 7 days if it is not right.