Tanzanite's Unique Trichroism: Displaying Three Colors in One Stone

What Makes Tanzanite Special?

Tanzanite stone is a very rare and beautiful gemstone. It comes from only one place in the world—Tanzania. This gemstone is famous for its bright blue and purple colors. But did you know that Tanzanite can show three different colors in one stone? This is called trichroism, and it makes Tanzanite very special.

What is Trichroism?

Trichroism is when a gemstone shows three different colors when you look at it from different angles. This means that if you turn the stone in the light, you can see different colors. Tanzanite is one of the best examples of a trichroic stone.

The Three Colors of Tanzanite

Tanzanite can show three main colors:

1. Blue – This is the most popular color. People love Tanzanite because of its deep blue shade, which looks similar to sapphire.

2. Purple/Violet – When light shines on the stone from a different angle, it may turn into a rich purple or violet color.

3. Reddish-Brown – Sometimes, the stone may show a hint of reddish-brown or burgundy. This is the natural color before the stone is heated.

Why Does Tanzanite Change Colors?

Tanzanite changes colors because of the way it absorbs and reflects light. Inside the gemstone, tiny structures interact with light, creating different colors depending on the angle.

Heat Treatment: Making Tanzanite More Beautiful

Most Tanzanite stones are heated to make the blue and purple colors stronger. When they are first found in the ground, many Tanzanite stones look brown or yellow. Heat treatment removes these colors and makes the blue and purple shades brighter. This process happens at very high temperatures but does not damage the stone.

Natural vs. Heated Tanzanite

• Natural Tanzanite – Shows more brown or yellow tones.

• Heated Tanzanite – Has a stronger blue and purple color, which is what people love.

How to See the Three Colors of Tanzanite

You can see Tanzanite’s three colors by doing these things:

1. Move the stone under a light – Turn the stone slowly and watch how the colors change.

2. Use a white background – Placing Tanzanite on a plain white surface helps show the colors clearly.

3. Look at the stone under different lights – Tanzanite can look different in daylight, LED light, and candlelight.

Why People Love Trichroic Tanzanite

Tanzanite’s ability to change colors makes it very special. When you wear a Tanzanite ring or necklace, the colors can shift depending on the light, making it look magical.

Is Every Tanzanite Trichroic?

Yes, all Tanzanite stones are trichroic. However, after heat treatment, some stones may show only two colors—blue and purple. But if you look carefully, you can still find hints of the third color.

Other Trichroic Gemstones

While Tanzanite is one of the most famous trichroic stones, other gemstones also show this effect, such as:

• Iolite

• Andalusite

• Kyanite

However, Tanzanite is the most well-known trichroic gemstone because of its bright and deep colors.

How to Choose the Best Tanzanite

If you are buying a Tanzanite gemstone, here are some things to check:

1. Color – The best Tanzanite has a deep blue-violet color.

2. Clarity – Look for a clear stone without too many visible spots inside.

3. Cut – A well-cut Tanzanite will show its trichroic effect beautifully.

4. Size – Bigger Tanzanite stones show their colors better than smaller ones.

Conclusion: A Magical and Rare Gemstone

Tanzanite is a rare and beautiful gemstone that shows three colors—blue, purple, and reddish-brown. This effect, called trichroism, makes Tanzanite one of the most magical gems in the world. Whether in jewelry or as a collector’s stone, Tanzanite’s color-changing beauty is something truly special!