Tanzanite is a blue and violet gemstone that is a variety of the mineral zoisite, discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and named by Tiffany & Co. in honor of the country.
It is known for its strong pleochroism, appearing to be different colors—blue, violet, and even burgundy or reddish-purple—depending on the viewing angle.
The gem, which is mined in only one small area near the Mererani Hills in Tanzania, is a natural phenomenon, with heat treatment used to bring out its desired blue-violet colors from its original brownish-orange state.
Due to its extremely limited source, it is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Tanzanite is an alternative birthstone for December.