Exploring the Formation of Tanzanite: A Geological Marvel

Speak of its exotic violet-blue hue or the heartwarming symbolism, Tanzanite is sure a gemstone of its kind. But as much as you treasure its captivating beauty, doesn’t it sometimes make you wonder how did it even come into picture? What’s the backstory that it hides behind those lush blue hues?

If yes, you’re at the right place. We’re here to unveil the enigma by introducing you to it all. And let’s start off with a good news- the formation of this beauty in blue is just as fascinating. So without any further ado, let’s take you back to where this gemstone finds its origins!

Geological Formation of Tanzanite

Contrary to its new age discovery, the formation of Tanzanite, interestingly, is known to date back to about five hundred and eighty five million years ago.

The world was then unaware that when the creation of Mount Kilimanjaro & Mozambique Orogenic Belt was taking place, Mother Nature had also gifted it its rarest gemstone. It was all a result of a phenomenon that is fondly referred to as regional metamorphism.

The formation of Mount Kilimanjaro (situated in Tanzania) took place as a result of intense heat & tectonic place activity. Owing to the high pressure, the tectonic plates at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro clashed against each other. As a result, the minerals of igneous rocks in them morphed into one another, forming elongated rocks.

Upon being subjected to the natural process of heating & compression, these rocks finally gifted us with a number of beautiful crystals of Tanzanite. They are renowned as the blue variety of Zoisite today.

But like we mentioned, this gemstone was still waiting to be discovered by the world- which although took years but was worth all the wait. So, let’s shed some light on its famous discovery:

The Discovery of Tanzanite

To everyone’s surprise, Tanzanite is one of the most newly discovered gemstones out there. In fact, it was only in 1967 that these eye-striking blue crystals caught the eyes of a bunch of Maasai herders in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. They didn’t spare a minute to inform their prospector, Manuel D’Souza. While claims for mining were immediately registered, he was quick to confuse it for a Sapphire ( and justifiably so thanks to the uncanny resemblance). However in no time, this blue Zoisite had the gemstone jewelry world going gaga over it & was introduced to everyone as ‘Tanzanite’ in honor to its origin.

Another commonly believed legend has it that it took nothing but a lightening strike to bring Tanzanite right to the surface for the world to lay its eyes upon.

Came with its discovery, numerous astrological beliefs & legends that it came to be known for (and were partly the reason for its immense popularity). Let’s take a look:

Folklores surrounding Tanzanite

• It is a common belief that Tanzanite helps strengthen the immune system, regenerate cells, skin, and hair, and purify the blood.

• For those of you who don’t know it yet, Tanzanite is pleochroic in nature, which means that it can showcase three different colors when viewed from different angles. This, in turn, has fostered a common belief that Tanzanite can stimulate the consciousness and psychic abilities of the wearer & help improve his mental well being as well.

• True to its enlightening color, Tanzanite is known to impart good luck, prosperity, & new beginnings.

• One astrological legend we saved for the last is that ever since Tanzanite came into being as a result of a lightening strike, it could transform negative energies into positive ones.

Final Verdict

Tanzanite might be a new addition to the galaxy of gemstones but when we speak of popularity, it is not far behind. People are going gaga over it for all the right reasons ever since its discovery. And that’s what has compelled us to explore the not so explored details about this gemstone with the most significant one being its formation. We have spoken about its origins, fascinating formation, interesting discovery, & the world known folklores in a rather detailed manner with the hope of helping you get to know this beloved December birthstone inside out. We’d be back with more of such fun yet informative blogs. Until then, we bid a warm adieu!