In 1967, Maasai herders stumbled upon blue crystals in the Merelani Hills located near Arusha, Tanzania, while they were looking after their livestock. They alerted a prospector named Manuel d’Souza, who promptly filed mining claims with the government. Initially, d’Souza thought he was extracting sapphire gems; however, the crystal was subsequently identified as a remarkable blue variety of zoisite, a mineral that had been known since the early 1800s. Tiffany & Co. recognized the potential of this blue gem to rival more expensive sapphires and agreed to act as its main distributor, naming the gemstone 'tanzanite' to highlight its distinctive geographic origin.

Approximately two million carats of tanzanite were extracted before the Tanzanian government took control of the mines in 1971. Although tanzanite lacks the extensive history of other gemstones, its scarcity and rapidly growing popularity make it highly coveted for its extraordinary beauty.

Tanzanite may be subjected to heat treatment to improve its color. The price and rarity of tanzanite are greatly affected by whether it is naturally colored or has been enhanced through heat treatment. Naturally occurring blue tanzanite is both rare and highly prized, whereas the majority of stones available in the market have undergone treatment to boost their color. To maintain tanzanite, it is advisable to clean it regularly, steer clear of harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures, and store it apart from other pieces of jewelry. Cleaning tanzanite can be accomplished with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, but it is important to avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning.