Tanzanite is a breathtaking gemstone that is found exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa. The gemstone’s rich blue-purple hues make it a popular choice for jewelry, and its rarity has made it a highly coveted stone among collectors and enthusiasts. In fact, tanzanite is believed to be one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with a scarcity that is estimated to be 1000 times greater than that of diamonds.
History and Discovery of Tanzanite
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 by a Masai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu, who stumbled upon some sparkling blue stones in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Masai people were the first to appreciate the beauty of tanzanite, but it was not until the late 1960s that the gemstone began to gain recognition in the international jewelry industry.
The name “tanzanite” was given to the gemstone by Tiffany & Co., who played a pivotal role in its introduction to the global market. Tiffany & Co. saw the potential of the stone’s rare beauty and began to promote it heavily, featuring it in their catalogs and naming it after its country of origin, Tanzania.
Characteristics of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a member of the zoisite mineral family, and it is typically blue to violet-blue in color. The stone’s color is caused by the presence of vanadium, a trace element that is found in the gemstone’s crystal structure. Tanzanite’s color can range from pale blue to deep indigo, with the most valuable stones exhibiting a vivid blue color that is sometimes described as “electric.”
In addition to its unique color, tanzanite is also prized for its pleochroism, which is the ability of a gemstone to display different colors when viewed from different angles. Tanzanite’s pleochroism can cause it to appear blue, violet, or even reddish-brown, depending on the direction of light and the position of the stone.
Tanzanite’s Rarity and Value
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with estimates suggesting that its scarcity is around 1000 times greater than that of diamonds. The limited availability of tanzanite has contributed to its high value, with the price of top-quality stones often exceeding that of diamonds of a similar size.
Factors that can affect the value of tanzanite include the stone’s color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most valuable tanzanite stones are those that exhibit a rich, vivid blue color with no visible inclusions or blemishes. Large tanzanite stones that are over five carats in size are particularly rare and valuable, with prices that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
Tanzanite is a remarkable gemstone that is prized for its rare beauty and exquisite color. Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, tanzanite is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. With a scarcity that is estimated to be 1000 times greater than that of diamonds, tanzanite is a true rarity that has captured the hearts of collectors, jewelers, and gemstone enthusiasts around the globe.
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Book Recommendation
One book that you might find interesting on Tanzanite is “The Tanzanite Experience: From Mine to Market” by Hayley Henning. This book tells the story of how tanzanite was discovered, how it is mined, and how it has become a popular gemstone. It also includes stunning photos of tanzanite and its mining process.
Documentary/ Video
One highly-rated documentary on Tanzanite is “The Tanzanite Dream.” It explores the discovery, mining, and popularity of Tanzanite, as well as the gemstone’s cultural and economic impact on Tanzania.
Here’s a link to a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xamIOWnjyyY