gemstone

Tanzanite earrings

Tanzanite, blue-violet zoisite (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH))

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6–7 Mohs; blue, violet, or trichroic color; vitreous luster; monoclinic crystal structure with distinct cleavage, making it relatively fragile. The pictured stones are polished, faceted, and set in jewelry, likely with metal surrounds and possible accent diamonds or simulants.

Identified September 15, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Tanzanite earrings
Scientific name: Tanzanite, blue-violet zoisite (Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH))
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $100–$1,500 for commercial earrings; fine natural tanzanite jewelry may range from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on carat weight, color, clarity, cut, treatment, and metal.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Tanzanite forms in metamorphic rocks through regional metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration, with gem-quality material known almost exclusively from the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The deposit is geologically ancient, roughly 500–600 million years old; most commercial stones are heat-treated to enhance blue-violet color.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, especially earrings, rings, and pendants; it is a valuable collector gemstone but less suitable for rough daily-wear rings because of cleavage and moderate hardness.

Geological facts

Tanzanite is the blue-violet gem variety of zoisite and is strongly pleochroic, showing different colors from different viewing directions. It was discovered commercially in the 1960s and marketed by Tiffany & Co.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by intense pleochroism, blue-violet color, vitreous luster, and relatively soft, cleavage-prone nature; confirm with gemological testing because blue glass, synthetic spinel, and other gems can resemble it. Nearly all genuine material comes from Tanzania.