Tanzanite, a captivating blue-violet gemstone, has captured the hearts of gem enthusiasts worldwide since its discovery in the late 1960s. Found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, tanzanite’s rarity and stunning beauty make it one of the most sought-after gemstones. This article will explore some of the most famous tanzanite gemstones, their histories, and the unique qualities that set them apart.
The History of Tanzanite
Discovered in 1967 by Maasai herders, tanzanite was introduced to the world by Tiffany & Co., which named it after its country of origin. The gemstone quickly gained popularity, becoming a December birthstone and a favored choice for jewelry designers. Its limited geographic source further amplifies its allure, as the sole tanzanite mines lie in a mere 20 square mile area at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Midnight Blue Tanzanite
Among the most famous tanzanite gemstones is the Midnight Blue Tanzanite. This extraordinary gemstone weighs an astounding 737 carats and is celebrated for its deep, rich blue color with violet undertones. The Midnight Blue Tanzanite is one of the largest and most exquisite tanzanites ever discovered, showcasing the gemstone’s finest qualities.
The Midnight Blue Tanzanite was unearthed in the Merelani Hills and has been exhibited in various museums and gem shows, drawing admiration from gemologists and enthusiasts alike. Its rarity and impeccable quality make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to be a source of fascination in the gem world.
The Queen of Kilimanjaro
Another renowned tanzanite is the Queen of Kilimanjaro, a stunning 242-carat gemstone set in a tiara. This remarkable piece is part of the private collection of Michael Scott, the first CEO of Apple Inc., known for his passion for colored gemstones. The Queen of Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking color and clarity, combined with its impressive size, make it one of the most significant tanzanites in existence.
The tiara, adorned with diamonds and green garnets, accentuates the Queen of Kilimanjaro’s regal appearance. This masterpiece of jewelry design highlights the potential of tanzanite to be the centerpiece of high-end, luxurious creations.
The Smithsonian’s 122.7-Carat Tanzanite
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History houses a remarkable 122.7-carat tanzanite. Donated by Maurice Tempelsman, this gemstone is one of the largest faceted tanzanites in the world and a highlight of the museum’s gem collection. Its vivid blue-violet hue and exceptional transparency make it a favorite among visitors and gem enthusiasts.
This tanzanite’s inclusion in the Smithsonian’s collection underscores its importance as a gemstone of significant cultural and geological value. It serves as an educational tool, illustrating the unique properties and beauty of tanzanite to the public.
The Jubilee Tanzanite
The Jubilee Tanzanite, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, is a striking 122-carat gemstone known for its exceptional color and clarity. This gemstone was discovered in 2012 and quickly gained fame for its flawless beauty. The Jubilee Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions, showcasing the allure of tanzanite to a global audience.
Its deep blue hue with flashes of violet embodies the quintessential characteristics of top-quality tanzanite. The Jubilee Tanzanite serves as a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship involved in cutting and polishing such a rare and beautiful gemstone.
The Heart of the Ocean Tanzanite
Inspired by the famous blue diamond in the movie Titanic, the Heart of the Ocean Tanzanite is a stunning 203-carat gemstone cut into a heart shape. This gemstone is a favorite among collectors and jewelry designers for its romantic symbolism and breathtaking beauty. The Heart of the Ocean Tanzanite’s vibrant blue color with violet undertones captures the essence of the ocean’s depths, making it a truly mesmerizing piece.
This gemstone has been featured in numerous jewelry collections, often set in intricate designs that highlight its striking color and unique shape. The Heart of the Ocean Tanzanite continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the finest gemstones.
The Katela Tanzanite
The Katela Tanzanite is a remarkable 196-carat gemstone known for its vivid blue color and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Katela Tanzanite’s deep, rich color is a testament to the finest qualities of tanzanite, making it a prized possession among collectors and gem enthusiasts.
The Katela Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to inspire awe and admiration.
The Tanzanite One
The Tanzanite One is a stunning 160.30-carat gemstone known for its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered by the Tanzanite One Mining Ltd., one of the leading producers of tanzanite. The Tanzanite One’s remarkable color and transparency make it a favorite among gemologists and collectors.
This gemstone has been showcased in various exhibitions, emphasizing the allure of tanzanite and its significance in the world of gemstones. The Tanzanite One serves as a prime example of the beauty and rarity of tanzanite, capturing the attention of those who appreciate fine gemstones.
The Crown of Light Tanzanite
The Crown of Light Tanzanite is a magnificent 117-carat gemstone known for its unique cut and exceptional color. This gemstone is part of the Crown of Light collection, renowned for its patented cutting technique that enhances the brilliance and fire of gemstones. The Crown of Light Tanzanite’s deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity make it a standout piece in this collection.
The Crown of Light Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and jewelry collections, showcasing the innovative cutting techniques and exquisite beauty of tanzanite. Its unique qualities make it a prized possession among collectors and gem enthusiasts.
The Winston Tanzanite
The Winston Tanzanite is a stunning 121-carat gemstone known for its vibrant blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was named after the famous jeweler Harry Winston, known for his exquisite jewelry designs and high-quality gemstones. The Winston Tanzanite’s remarkable color and transparency make it a favorite among collectors and gemologists.
The Winston Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and jewelry collections, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to inspire awe and admiration.
The Majestic Tanzanite
The Majestic Tanzanite is a breathtaking 153-carat gemstone known for its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Majestic Tanzanite’s vibrant color and unique properties make it a prized possession among collectors and gem enthusiasts.
The Majestic Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the finest gemstones.
The Aurora Tanzanite
The Aurora Tanzanite is a stunning 108-carat gemstone known for its exceptional color and clarity. This gemstone was named after the natural light display in the Earth’s sky, known as the Aurora Borealis, due to its vibrant blue-violet hue and exceptional brilliance. The Aurora Tanzanite’s remarkable color and transparency make it a favorite among gemologists and collectors.
The Aurora Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and jewelry collections, showcasing its exquisite beauty and unique qualities. Its deep blue hue with flashes of violet embodies the quintessential characteristics of top-quality tanzanite, making it a prized possession among collectors.
The Royal Tanzanite
The Royal Tanzanite is a magnificent 137-carat gemstone known for its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Royal Tanzanite’s vibrant color and unique properties make it a standout piece in the world of gemstones.
The Royal Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the finest gemstones.
The Legacy Tanzanite
The Legacy Tanzanite is a stunning 145-carat gemstone known for its exceptional color and clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Legacy Tanzanite’s vibrant blue hue with flashes of violet embodies the quintessential characteristics of top-quality tanzanite, making it a prized possession among collectors.
The Legacy Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, showcasing its exquisite beauty and unique qualities. Its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional transparency make it a favorite among gemologists and collectors.
The Splendor Tanzanite
The Splendor Tanzanite is a breathtaking 132-carat gemstone known for its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Splendor Tanzanite’s vibrant color and unique properties make it a standout piece in the world of gemstones.
The Splendor Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the finest gemstones.
The Infinity Tanzanite
The Infinity Tanzanite is a magnificent 118-carat gemstone known for its exceptional color and clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Infinity Tanzanite’s vibrant blue hue with flashes of violet embodies the quintessential characteristics of top-quality tanzanite, making it a prized possession among collectors.
The Infinity Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and jewelry collections, showcasing its exquisite beauty and unique qualities. Its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional transparency make it a favorite among gemologists and collectors.
The Enigma Tanzanite
The Enigma Tanzanite is a stunning 125-carat gemstone known for its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Enigma Tanzanite’s vibrant color and unique properties make it a standout piece in the world of gemstones.
The Enigma Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the finest gemstones.
The Celestial Tanzanite
The Celestial Tanzanite is a breathtaking 129-carat gemstone known for its deep blue-violet hue and exceptional clarity. This gemstone was discovered in the Merelani Hills and has been praised for its extraordinary quality. The Celestial Tanzanite’s vibrant color and unique properties make it a standout piece in the world of gemstones.
The Celestial Tanzanite has been featured in various exhibitions and publications, highlighting its significance in the world of gemstones. Its beauty and rarity make it a benchmark for evaluating other tanzanites, and it continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the finest gemstones.
Conclusion
Tanzanite’s unique beauty and rarity make it one of the most captivating gemstones in the world. From the Midnight Blue Tanzanite to the Celestial Tanzanite, each of these famous gemstones showcases the extraordinary qualities that have made tanzanite a favorite among collectors, gemologists, and jewelry designers. As we continue to uncover more about this fascinating gemstone, its allure and significance in the world of gemstones will only continue to grow.
