Tanzanite is truly unlike any other gemstone. Its rare color, single-source origin, and growing scarcity have made it a favorite among collectors and jewelry lovers alike.
A Gem with a Story: Why Tanzanite Is So Special
Discovered in 1967 at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, Tanzanite remains one of the few gemstones found in only one place on Earth.
Known for its mesmerizing blue-violet hue, Tanzanite exhibits a rare optical property called trichroism — meaning it can display flashes of blue, violet, and even hints of burgundy depending on the lighting and viewing angle. No two stones are ever exactly alike.
What Matters Most When Choosing Tanzanite
When selecting Tanzanite, two factors matter most: color and clarity.
- Color: The finest Tanzanite displays a deep, saturated blue-violet hue — never pale or overly light. Larger stones (over 5 carats) often show richer color, while smaller ones appear slightly lighter.
- Clarity: Tanzanite is typically very clean, so visible inclusions or haziness can affect its quality. While some brands use labels like AAA or AA to describe their stones, there’s no official grading system for Tanzanite.
At PETRALO, we hand-select Tanzanites where violet is the dominant hue, featuring rich, saturated color, exceptional clarity, and brilliant sparkle — a perfect blend of vivid beauty, everyday elegance, and affordable luxury.
How to Tell if a Tanzanite Is Real
- Color: Genuine Tanzanite shows a rich blue-violet tone with flashes of burgundy under different lighting (trichroism). Stones that look overly bright or very pale may be imitation or glass.
- Clarity: Natural Tanzanite is usually eye-clean. If a gem looks flawless yet costs unusually little, it may be synthetic.
- Treatment: Nearly all real Tanzanite is heat-treated — this is standard and accepted in the industry. Be cautious of claims of “untreated natural Tanzanite” without certification.
- Certification: Larger stones (1ct and above) may come with GIA or IGI reports. For smaller stones, detailed information on weight and size is typically provided.
- Price Check: If the price seems too good to be true — it probably is. Authentic Tanzanite has real value.
Tanzanite is a rare and meaningful gemstone — not only beautiful but also full of character, history, and soul. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself, choosing the right Tanzanite comes down to trusting the source, understanding the quality, and loving the way it makes you feel.
At PETRALO, we’re proud to bring you Tanzanite jewelry made with care, integrity, and intention — always set in solid 14k or 18k gold, and designed for lasting elegance.
Explore our Tanzanite Collection →
