tanzanite
Americannoun
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Mineralogy. a variety of zoisite valued as a gem for its purplish-blue color and strong pleochroism.
Usage
What does tanzanite mean? Tanzanite is a gemstone that’s a variety of the mineral zoisite. Its color ranges from deep blue to violent and lighter shades of purple.Tanzanite can appear to be different colors depending on the viewing direction—a property known as pleochroism.Tanzanite is quite rare—it’s only known to be found in one location in the world: the eastern African nation of Tanzania. For this reason, tanzanite is usually quite expensive.It has not been synthetically replicated, but it is sometimes imitated with other gemstones, such as cubic zirconia.Tanzanite is one of the birthstones for the month of December. It is associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn. Tanzanite jewelry is a traditional gift for a 24th wedding anniversary.Example: Tanzanite is often paired with diamonds to highlight its rich color.
Etymology
Origin of tanzanite
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Campbell Bridges had a long relationship with the Smithsonian that began in 1967, when he traded some of his tanzanite specimens to the museum for some of its tourmaline collection, Bruce Bridges said.
From Washington Post • Apr. 19, 2023
Saniniu Laizer, 52, became an overnight millionaire in June after he sold two violet-blue tanzanite gemstones said to be the largest ever found in the country.
From Fox News • Aug. 7, 2020
Magufuli inaugurated the wall around tanzanite mining concessions in northern Tanzania in April 2018, in an attempt to control illegal mining and trading activities.
From The Guardian • Jun. 24, 2020
However, what Mr Sajan finds more challenging is the lack of local awareness about tanzanite, despite Tanzania being home to this precious commodity.
From BBC • Sep. 25, 2015
The man we meet looks to be in mid-30s, and says he's been "trading tanzanite for 10 years now".
From BBC • Sep. 25, 2015
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.