• 5.84ct violet round cabochon Tanzanite
• Measures 9.7 x 9.7 x 7.4mm
• Origin: Tanzania
• Cut by Peter Torraca in New York

Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite that got its name from the one place on Earth it’s mined: the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Masaai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu is credited with finding the first tanzanite crystal in 1967 (ANZA Gems currently buys from many Maasai miners!). The finest color of tanzanite is a deeply saturated blue-violet, but we also love the natural, unheated lavender shades it comes in just as much (ANZA does not heat any gem we buy). With a Moh’s Hardness rating of 6 to 7, it is durable enough to be set in jewelry that will be worn everyday, so long as the wearer takes good care of it, as they can scratch more easily than sapphires.

Tanzanite is a birthstone for the month of December. 

When you shop with ANZA Gems, you're making a difference and giving back to East African mining communities. ANZA supports artisans at every level, beginning with purchasing directly in-country in Tanzania and Kenya, then using US and Kenyan artisanal cutters–a number of them women–to facet the gems into one-of-a-kind creations. At least 10% of your purchase will directly benefit education, vocational training, community development and other initiatives supporting miners where they need it most through the nonprofit Gem Legacy. 

SKU #9000