Member of American Gem Society and
Jewelers of America

About MJ Harrington & Co.

Wedding and Gift Registry

Birth Stones | Armetale | Danforth | Howard Miller

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December - Tanzanite

Tanzanite has become popular gemstone since its discovery in late 1960s. The rare gem was named for its source, Tanzania, in East Africa, the only place it is found. Considering the unique mix of purple, violet and blue hues, tanzanite fascinates the gem collector and jewelry/fashion design alike.

Varieties, Qualities & Origins
Tanzanite is the purplish-blue variety of the gem species zoisite. The most valuable tanzanite is medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation and slightly violet-blue. Some people desire the more purplish to violet tanzanite shades which are more available and affordable.

Gemstone Enhancements
Virtually all tanzanite is subjected to heat as a normal part of the fashioning process to improve the color of the gemstone. No special care is required.

Hardness (Scratch Resistance) 6-7 on the moh's scale

Toughness (Chip & Crack resistance) Poor to Fair

Stability (To heat, Light, Chemicals) Stable to light. Avoid heat, sudden temperature changes, strong solvents, acids.

Cleaning Never use ultrasonic/steam cleaning.

Repair Avoid intense heat and remove from setting for most repair work.

Occasions December Birthstone with Zircon and Turquoise 24th Wedding Anniversary