Tanzanite Gemstone Knowledge What phenomenon exists behind Tanzanite? Birthstone of December, Tanzanite gemstone is relatively new member of the gemstone kingdom. Since discovery, this deeply saturated, clear and brilliant gemstone has received great praise and exponential growth and popularity. Ranging from blue to violet-blue hues, they are pleochroic in nature, and a finer quality tanzanite can rival(and is often substituted) for a sapphire.
It is interesting to know Tanzanites are named after the ir origin and sole mining location, Tanzania. Additionally, the legend behind its discovery is fascinating. In 1967, a Masai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu found some sparkling blue crystals on dried fields and picked them up. He is known as the first collector of Tanzanite, and has even been referred to as ‘The Father of Tanzanite’.