Amethyst vs Tanzanite: what is the difference?

Amethyst and Tanzanite display stunning purple shades, this close color similarity can create a little bit of confusion to separate between these two gems.

Amethyst and Tanzanite crystals

Even though Tanzanite and Amethyst share comparable visual aspects such as the color hue, they remain totally different crystals with separable attributes and characteristics.

The most major visual clear difference between Amethyst vs Tanzanite is that Amethyst displays a unique purple color that varies in intensity, on the other hand, Tanzanite shows deep bluish-purple tones. 

If you find it challenging to distinguish between Amethyst vs Tanzanite, or you just want to know the major factors that draw a clear separation between these two purple gems, this article is specially made for you.

Amethyst vs Tanzanite: 5 differences to highlight

Color palette

When you first see Amethyst and Tanzanite side by side, at the first glance you will notice that they are both purple stones.

However, if you take a second more analytical look you are going to find out that the colors are slightly different.

Amethyst presents a true purple color that varies in intensity.

Some Amethyst stones exhibit deep purple shades and others have a transparent pastel purple hue.

On the other hand, if you compare it to the color displayed by Tanzanite, you are going to notice that its color has a blue tint mixed with purple.

So, we can clearly conclude that the color aspect is one of the most crucial points that will guide us to separate between Amethyst and Tanzanite.

Amethyst vs Tanzanite crystals

Mineral composition

Another major factor that creates a sharp distinction between Amethyst and Tanzanite is the mineral composition.

These two crystals are composed of different mineral components.

Let’s talk first about Tanzanite.

Its mineralogical description implies that it is a transparent zoisite, a mineral itself belonging to the silicate family.

What naturally provides it this spectrum of colors that ranges from blue azure to purple, is the presence of traces of chromium and vanadium. These two important mineral elements give Tanzanite its distinct bluish-violet hue.

Plus, the hardness of the gem can range from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Amethyst vs Tanzanite

You may encounter some Tanzanite with deep blue shades with little to no violet hues, this characteristic color reflects the exposure to high temperatures.

Resulting of volcanic activity in the Kilimanjaro mountain range (in Africa), it is quite impressive to know that this mineral formed more than 585 million years ago in schists, gneisses, and amphibolites resulting from the metamorphism of calcium rocks.

On the other spectrum, Amethyst is way more different in terms of mineral composition.

Amethyst is a component of the purple quartz family and it is composed of silicon dioxide.

On the Mohs scale, its hardness is 7 and its density is around 2.6.

This quartz crystal varies between a very intense purple hue to transparent faded purple shades, which is mainly due to the iron impurities that can be found in its composition.

Rarity

Rarity is one of the most essential factors that reveal the big difference between Amethyst and Tanzanite.

Tanzanite is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world!

That is because of where it is extracted, in other words, you can find Tanzanite in one unique location.

As its name reflects, Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania which clearly explains its rarity, plus the circumstances of its creation are quite remarkable.

This exceptional bluish-purple gem reflects a creation process of 585 million years!

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Amethyst on the other hand is quite abundant.

This crystal was located in very large quantities at the beginning of the 20th century and specifically in Brazil, so we can say that amethyst gems are considered to be very recent stones.

Amethyst crystals are abundant in quantity and also in shapes, we find them in different sizes: As well purple geodes (big and small), or even as very small gems in jewelry.

Its main deposits were initially located in Uruguay and Brazil.

From now on, this stone is also extracted and exploited in other places all over the globe, for instance, Africa, South America, Russia, and Australia.

Another interesting fact to highlight is that although the most extensive amount of amethyst gemstone comes from South American countries, the specificity that can be seen in African countries is that it is much richer in color.

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Chakra

Now let’s discuss the energies transmitted by these two stunning gems.

Amethyst vs Tanzanite stones

The first thing to know is that Amethyst and Tanzanite target one common chakra which is the crown chakra.

The vibrations transmitted by these two crystals work on balancing this important energy point in the body which makes you feel more peaceful, wiser, open-minded, enlightened, and divinely guided to pursue your life’s purpose.

Tanzanite is not only associated with the crown chakra but is also connected with two additional energy points which are the third eye chakra and the throat chakra.

This energy association makes Tanzanite such a powerful healing gem that works on healing and activating multiple and interconnected energy points which guides you to be more perceptive, intuitive, mentally strong, and confident to express yourself in an assertive and skillful way.

Healing powers

Amethyst: purification, protection, mental calmness

This purple stone is recognized as a powerful cleansing crystal, its vibration works on purifying your personal space from negative and toxic influence, while calming your mind, and enhancing your intuitive powers so you can lead your life with wisdom, serenity, and inner peace.

Tanzanite: transformation, harmony, clear communication

This rare gem helps you to communicate with ease, clarity, and confidence.

It elevates and increases good and nurturing feelings all around you so you can be fully willing to surmount blockages and break free from negative mental and emotional circles.

Tanzanite guides you to move forward with your life with a spirit of courage, enthusiasm, and hopefulness.

Summary

Amethyst VS Tanzanite

Amethyst and Tanzanite have one aspect in common which is their close color resemblance, however, they remain two distinct crystals with various attributes.

Find below 5 main factors that draw a clear distinction between Amethyst and Tanzanite.

Amethyst

  • Color: purple.
  • Mineral composition: Silicon dioxide.
  • Rarity: abundant found in many places in the world.
  • Chakra: Crown chakra.
  • Healing powers: purification, protection, wisdom.

Tanzanite

  • Color: bluish-purple.
  • Mineral composition: a variety of zoisite minerals with traces of chromium and vanadium.
  • Rarity: Very rare mineral found only in Tanzania, Africa.
  • Chakra: Crown, third eye, and throat chakras.
  • Healing powers: clear and confident self-expression, enthusiasm, and hope.

Monica Hunter

Monica Hunter

To share my newfound knowledge, I decided to create a website dedicated to gemstones and crystals. I wanted to provide readers with all the information they need about the stones they are interested in. I wanted to give readers a comprehensive guide to understanding gemstones.

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