Tanzanite facts for kids

Tanzanite rough stone and a cut gemstone

Tanzanite is a beautiful blue-purple gemstone. It is found only in one place on Earth. This special place is the Mererani Hills in Tanzania. These hills are near the city of Arusha. They are also close to the famous Mount Kilimanjaro.

The name "Tanzanite" comes from Tanzania. This is the country where it was discovered. Tanzanite is a type of mineral. This mineral is called zoisite. When tanzanite is first dug up, it often looks reddish-brown. To get its amazing purple color, it needs heat. Workers place it in a special oven. They heat it to about 600 degrees Celsius. This process brings out its vibrant blue and purple shades.

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is a rare gemstone. It is known for its stunning color. This color can change from blue to violet. It depends on how you look at it. This special property is called pleochroism. It makes each stone unique.

How Tanzanite Gets Its Color

When tanzanite is first mined, it is not blue or purple. It usually has a dull brown or reddish-brown color. To become a beautiful gemstone, it needs to be treated. This treatment involves heating the stone.

The Heating Process

Miners carefully heat the rough stones. They use a special oven for this. The temperature reaches about 600 degrees Celsius. This heat changes the stone's chemical structure. It removes the brown tones. This process reveals the stone's natural blue-purple color. The color becomes much more vibrant.

Where is Tanzanite Found?

Tanzanite is incredibly rare. It is only found in a small area. This area is in northern Tanzania. It is located in the Mererani Hills. This makes tanzanite very special. Many people believe it is even rarer than diamonds.

The Discovery of Tanzanite

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967. A local Maasai tribesman found some blue crystals. He showed them to a prospector. Soon, word spread about this new gem. Jewelers quickly became interested in its beauty.

Uses of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is mainly used in jewelry. Its unique color makes it popular. People use it in rings, necklaces, and earrings. It is a favorite for special occasions. Many collectors also value tanzanite. They appreciate its rarity and beauty.

Images for kids

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  Craft work on tanzanite

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  Multicolored tanzanite crystal

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  A rough sample of tanzanite.

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  Learn more about Tanzanite in Spanish!