Tanzanite
Tanzanite is the violetish purble-blue variety of zoisite. This lovely gem is a relative newcomer, reportedly discovered in 1962 near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and entering the U.S. gem market around 1970. Tiffany's initially promoted the material, naming it after it's source. Tanzania remains Tanzanite's only commercial source.

Virtually all tanzanite is produced by heating brown zoisite. This process is undetectable and is stable. Tanzanite should be treated with special care. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning and rough handling.

Although not a traditional birthstone, tanzanite is designated for the 24th wedding anniversary.

Other colored stones: