What Color is Tanzanite?

Blue & Purple Tanzanite

Tanzanite is most commonly found in blue and purple color hues, ranging from deep sapphire blue to vibrant violet close to what Amethyst looks like. And that is what people think about when they want Tanzanite. But the reason we created this post was to introduce you to even more colors of Tanzanite, which many call "Fancy Tanzanite."

Tanzanite is a very versatile gemstone that can naturally occur in a variety of colors, including shades of green, yellow, brown, and pink. These other colors are less common, as the gemstone is often heat-treated to enhance its signature blue and purple tones, making them the most sought-after and recognized in the market. This stunning color variety is one of the reasons tanzanite is so highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts.

Brown or Diesel Tanzanite

Tanzanite can appear brown or diesel-like (a mix of yellow, brown, and green hues) in its natural, untreated state. This is because of its mineral composition and the presence of trace elements. This if from the way light interacts with the crystal structure and the impurities within it. 99% of natural Tanzanite is this brown or diesel color. To achieve the iconic blue and purple shades that Tanzanite is more known for, tanzanite is subjected to heat treatment. This process alters the crystal structure slightly, eliminating the brown and green tones, leaving the blues and purples.

Here at Moriarty's Gem Art, most of our Tanzanite is heat treated, but a few times a year, we do come across natural diesel Tanzanite that customers want. And those, we leave unheated. If we have any currently, they will be here.

Pink Fancy Tanzanite

Some tanzanite will be pink due to variations in its natural mineral composition and the specific way light interacts with its crystal structure. The pink color occurs when the gemstone's natural crystal orientation favor the reflection of pinkish or reddish light. Natural pink tanzanite is extremely rare. Heat treatment, commonly used to bring out blue and purple tones, may occasionally enhance subtle pink or red undertones in the gemstone. 

At Moriarty's Gem Art, we do come across Pink Tanzanite from time to time. You can check if we have any currently here.

Yellow Fancy Tanzanite

Yellow tanzanite is an extremely rare and unusual variety. We do not see yellow tanzanite that often anymore. Showcasing a unique yellow hue rather than the more common blue and violet colors. It is sometimes referred to as "canary zoisite" in the gemstone trade.

Yellow tanzanite is often found in its natural, untreated form. Heat treatment, which is commonly applied to enhance blue and violet hues, may diminish or completely remove yellow tones, which is why almost all yellow Tanzanite we stock is all natural.

We normally have a few Yellow Tanzanite is stock. If we have any, you will find it here.

Green Fancy Tanzanite

Green tanzanite, often referred to as "green zoisite" or sometimes "chrome tanzanite," is a rare and beautiful variety of Tanzanite. Unlike the famous blue and violet tanzanite, green tanzanite shows green shades, ranging from soft pastel green to vibrant, emerald-like colors throughout the stone. The green color in tanzanite is primarily due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium or vanadium within the crystal structure.

Most green tanzanite is in its natural, untreated form. Heat treatment, commonly used to enhance blue and violet colors, can reduce or eliminate the green hues.

Here, at Moriarty's Gem Art, we do supply natural green Tanzanite. If we have any in stock right now, you will find them here.

Other Colors of Tanzanite

From time to time, we get other blends of colors of Tanzanite. Because we travel to Africa each year, we tend to get a lot of new pieces around February and October. If you are looking for something different, make sure to visit our site often or give us a call at 800-348-4499 and we can see if we have what you are looking for.