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Indigenous to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanite is one of the most well-known blue stones in the world. Infused down to its core with the spirit and heritage of Tanzania, 7 of its wonders make the stone stand out as one of the most desirable gems in the world. Discover the 7 facts that make this stone mystical and fascinating in the world.
The unique geology, pressures, and intense temperatures of Mount Kilimanjaro offer you this once-in-a-lifetime deposit of intense blue-purple gems rich in history.
With experts ranging the chances of finding it anywhere in the world at one in a million, Tanzanite is one of the rarest and most intriguing gemstones known to man.
Experts have predicted Tanzanite mines will have given their last gem-quality stone in 10 to 20 years, giving it incredible collectible value. These factors have shaped Tanzanite as one of the most coveted stones, estimated to be at least one thousand times rarer than diamonds.
Tanzanite is known to hold attributes of good luck and prosperity. The deep blue stone is thought to be a transformation stone that helps dissolve old negative patterns and habits allowing the bearer to move on in life with a renewed sense of direction, purpose, optimism, and confidence; all the key ingredients for prosperity. The gem is also believed to attract energies of good luck, wealth, and success propelling you into your best life.
Also known as Blue Zoisite, Tanzanite is a stone with many properties. Beyond its unprecedented beauty, intense range of blues, and rarity, Tanzanite has often been associated with new life and new beginnings. The stone can be gifted for births and new milestones in life as a token of fortune and hope.
It is a stone of fresh starts, rejuvenated health, and protection when stepping into this world. This tradition is deeply rooted in Maasai customs, women would be gifted Tanzanite stones after childbirth as a symbol of good luck.
Heirlooms are keepers of time and memories. Passing on a piece of jewelry to another generation is a sign of love, pride, and family, symbolizing the passing down of a lifelong heritage. The rarity and beauty of Tanzanite complement this tradition as a perfect heirloom stone to carry through the future.
Whether set in a ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings, a Tanzanite stone holds emotions, traditions, and ancestral history, ensuring it will never feel outdated. Offering a Tanzanite heirloom means offering a physical keepsake of your affection which will only increase in value over the years.
With a Mohs scale rating of around 6.5 to 7, Tanzanite is a quite strong and durable stone as it is fairly resistant to harsh impacts. With some attention, the gemstone will easily conquer scratches from daily exposure. While earrings and necklaces are usually not at much risk, rings should be given a little extra care. It is quite surprising to find a gemstone with this much character, fire, and such malleability, making it easier to carve and cut for the best results.
Another wonder and one of the most appreciated facts about Tanzanite lies in its unique coloration. With vibrant blues, purples, and reddish-lavender hues, this gem is one of the few stones radiating 3 different colors in one. Various factors determine the final color of a Tanzanite from the stone itself to the depth of their cut, these colors usually range from intense royal blue and violet to lighter shades.
If you were born in December, then you are one of the lucky few who can claim the Tanzanite as their birthstone. This traditional practice of wearing gemstones related to your birth month has fascinated many people over the years with beliefs that the power of the stones would be an ally in helping you gain luck, happiness, and strength in life. This precious stone is a perfect gift to offer a loved one or to gift oneself on a birthday. It is a thoughtful, delicate, and wonderful way of showing you care and wishing them the best.
The rarity, color, and properties of the Tanzanite stone have raised it to be one of the most desirable gems in the world. With its 7 wonders bringing you fire, brilliance, captivating coloration, and attributes of luck, fortune, and happiness, it is an exquisite gem complimenting you and a life guide to anyone who wears it.
The Tanzanite stone is among the rarest and most beautiful blue gemstones in the world. From the raw stone extracted deep down in the mines to the sparkling mesmerizing gem you desperately desire around your finger, the Tanzanite is cut and polished expertly by our craftsmen.
The rough blue gemstone comes to life, releasing its brilliance with the help of our specialists. With their dazzling shine and the fiery intensity of their blues and purples, they are a perfect choice for any piece of jewelry from rings and earrings to necklaces and bracelets.
However, each cut brings out a different aspect of the Tanzanite stone; its highlights, sparkle, range of colors, and so much more. There is no real perfect cut for Tanzanites, it is mostly up to the client’s eye.
To better understand the effect of cuts on a gemstone, you must first grasp the meaning of ‘Fire, Luster, and Brilliance’. These 3 terms are key factors in the grading of gemstones.
The ‘Round’ or ‘Round Brilliant is one of the most popular cuts for gemstones. Initially used mainly for diamonds, this cut has now been expanded to all kinds of gemstones, including the Tanzanite stone. This cut has 57 facets shaped to capture the stone’s brilliance and sparkle.
The ‘Marquise Cut’ earned its name in the 18th century when King Louis XIV had a diamond shape into this specific cut for his mistress, the ‘Marquise de Pompadour’.
Over time, this cut has also been extended to the Tanzanite stone and various other gems. The ‘Marquise’ has 57 expertly cut facets giving it its brilliance and showing off its intricate color and sparkle. Symmetry and depth are some of the most important factors to maintain optimum light reflection and intensity of the color in this type of cut.
The ‘Princess Cut’ is a square-shaped brilliant cut with facets ranging from 58 to 76. It portrays impressive luster, giving it an extra sparkle. This cut is the second most popular cut on the market, positioned just after the ‘Round Cut’.
The ‘Cushion Cut’, previously known as the ‘Old Mine Cut’ was one of the most widespread gemstone cuts introduced on the market before the end of the 19th century. Its square shape with smoothly rounded edges earned it the new name, ‘Cushion Cut’, sometimes also referred to as ‘Pillow Cut’. This shape has an approximate number of 64 facets maintaining the gem’s incredible luster and brilliance. This cut is also renowned for using a greater portion of its raw gemstone than most of the other cuts.
The ‘Pear Cut’ is also known as the ‘Teardrop Cut’ due to its oval shape with one pointed side. The modified brilliant cut with 71 facets reflects light inside the gem elegantly and showcases its deep blue color.
The ‘Trilliant Cut’ is a triangular-shaped cut with slightly rounded edges. Its facets may vary from 31 to 43, giving it its famous brilliance and emphasizing the rich blue color of the Tanzanite. Its symmetrical shape and angles make the ‘Trilliant Cut’ a perfect choice for sophisticated jewelry.
The ‘Oval Cut’ is also among the family of modified brilliant cuts, offering the fire and brilliance of a ‘Round Cut’, and a different unique style. Halfway between a ‘Round Cut’ and a ‘Marquise Cut’, the 69 facets of this cut and its elongated shape give the impression of a larger gem and a significant reflection of light inside the gem.
The ‘Octagon Cut’, similar to an ‘Emerald Cut’, is a rectangular shape with trimmed corners. Its 53 facets are cut using a ‘step-cut’ method, whereby the gem is trimmed into wide flat step-like facets from all sides. This type of cut is ideal to highlight the deep natural color of Tanzanite.
However, inclusions can easily be seen in these types of cuts. It is thus important when selecting the gem for this cut to pick a stone that has extraordinary color and is without those small blemishes inside the gem.
The ‘Heart Shaped Cut’ is at its origin a ‘Pear Cut’ with a cleft at the top. This cut is popular for its focus on fire and sparkle, as well as its symbolism. With 59 facets, the ‘Heart Shaped Cut’ is all about symmetry. The proportion and cutting of both halves of the heart should be perfectly symmetrical and have a very sharp cleft with softly rounded sides.
Yet, how do you choose from this plethora of shapes, sizes, and shades available in our stores? Which cut will bring out the gem’s shine and depth? Which one of these sumptuously cut gemstones will have what you are looking for?
This guide is here to help you choose the cut which matches your personality and taste. Feel free to take a look at our Tanzanite Experience catalog to find the jewel best suited for you.
Marriage has always been and still is one of the biggest responsibilities/decisions that you as a man will make in your life. A common marriage tradition for a man is to buy an Tanzanite Engagement Ring for his partner. The ring showcases his love and affection towards his soon-to-be wife, so it’s a choice not to be taken lightly.
For a lot of men, the purchase of an engagement ring will be the first time that they have gotten into the crazy world of jewelry. Many terms will be thrown that will be foreign to them, but no worries, we have a guide to help you pick the best engagement ring.
Before we begin, we’d like to introduce you to Tanzanite, a beautiful gem like no other that your significant other will definitely appreciate. You can visit our online shop or any of our other locations to see what we have to offer. Not convinced, here’s why you should go for a Tanzanite engagement ring.
The Tanzanite gemstone is known for its beauty and rarity. It comes in blue-violet and violet colors that can be vivid and stand out. The gemstone is also trichroic meaning that it can produce multiple colors when set under different lights. It’s not every day that you’ll find someone wearing Tanzanite Engagement Ring jewelry.
Your bride-to-be is going to flaunt the ring to family and friends so why not get her a ring that is both unique and beautiful? Proposing with a Tanzanite engagement ring is definitely going to set you apart.
What we mean by this is, you’re definitely going to find a ring that she is going to love and adore. Tanzanite Engagement Ring can be set in any kind of metal. It works well with all metal colors. It can also be combined with other gemstones such as diamonds to provide a classy and elegant look. You can have a look at our collections of Tanzanite rings to see how beautiful the gemstone looks when set in gold and silver.
When referring to quality we look at two features of the gemstone that make it stand out, its hardness and durability properties. You can rest assured that with proper care, your tanzanite stone is going to look beautiful for years to come. It will still sparkle and look great on your bride during the wedding day.
Tanzanite also does not require a lot of special care. It’s easy to clean and maintain. You can check this article on how to take care of your Tanzanite Jewelry.
You should be careful when deciding what Tanzanite Engagement Ring to buy. You shouldn’t just walk in the jewelry shop and buy the first ring you find. Here is some food for thought to make sure you’re getting the best engagement ring for your significant other.
Engagement rings come in all price ranges from affordable to expensive. In order to make your shopping experience seamless (as there will be plenty of rings to choose from), you need to set a budget, how much are you willing to spend on the ring? This will make it easier for the jeweler to show you all the best rings within your price range.
A word of advice, don’t spend too much on a ring, set a budget that you’ll be comfortable with and won’t put financial pressure on your marriage.
You need to get her style right when you decide what Ring you want to buy for your partner. The best option would be to both visit the Jewelry shop and get a feel of the rings on offer.
It’s not easy to know whether a style resonates with your partner until she tries the ring on her finger. Remember, she’ll have this ring on her finger for a very long time, so you need to make sure it’s something you both love, or else that might turn into an expensive mistake.
Once you’ve your budget set, you need to decide on the Tanzanite stone that you’ll want for your engagement ring. The shape that you ultimately decide to pick is dependent on your partner’s style and preference.
You also need to be wary of the quality of the gemstone. The quality is determined by the 4C’s; Clarity, Cut, Color & Carat Weight. You can read more about the 4C’s here. You can sample the quality stones we have on offer in our online shop. We’re always happy to assist.
Once you choose the stone, you need to choose the ring band. These two normally go hand in hand. There are a variety of choices to choose from as far as bands are concerned. It also helps that Tanzanite as a gemstone works well with any type of band. You can have a look at our catalog of rings as an example.
You and your partner can choose from Yellow Gold, White Gold, Silver, and more. Each band type has its advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, Gold is a soft metal that can be polished and buffed over time, so it can keep its shine over the years, but this also makes it more prone to wear and tear.
On the other hand, bands like platinum are durable but hard to restore to their previous luster & shine. In the end, the ring band you choose will depend on personal preferences and style.
When the Jeweler talks about the Ring setting, he/she is referring to the way that the stone is mounted on the ring. There are different types of settings such as the channel setting, Tiffany setting, and Bezel setting. The choice of ring setting like many other aspects is down to personal preference and the style of your bride-to-be.
You need to make sure that you get this absolutely right. The last thing you want is to get down on one knee and have the ring fall off her finger in what is meant to be a perfect moment. You can refer to online guides to help you make sure you get the right ring size. With that said, you can have a ring resized, but that will cost you extra.
We might be biased, but we know of a reputed Tanzanite dealer that can get you the best Tanzanite rings directly from the source. You can also visit their shops or check their online catalog to view some of the best collections. Alternatively, simply contact them and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Mererani in northern Tanzania.
As to who discovered it, that is still a topic for debate as what is the best time to buy Tanzanite.
Some accounts of the discovery of this blue gemstone indicate that Ali Juuyawatu, a Maasai herdsman, discovered it in 1967. The stories claim that he spotted a piece of the blue crystal and shared his find with Manuel D’Souza, a local gemstone prospector who was working in the region.
D’Souza then went ahead and presented the stones to a geologist in Nairobi, John Saul. Further steps were taken before the material was found to be a new variety of zoisite minerals.
Although the media widely recognizes D’Souza as the man who discovered Tanzanite, the Tanzanian government, on the other hand, has a different view. According to the Government of Tanzania, Jumanne Ngoma discovered the gemstone.
Initial recognition came from Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in 1980 and later in 1984 when he was given a certificate of recognition for his discovery.
Before his death on January 30th, 2019, the fifth phase government further honored Ngoma in 2018 when a sum of $44,000 was awarded to Ngoma by President John Pombe Magufuli. President Magufuli called him “the hero of the nation who has for long been forgotten and neglected.”
Jumanne discovered the gemstone in Mererani in 1967 before the gemstone was tested at the government laboratory in Dodoma where the government geologist, Mr. Ian MacCloud confirmed it as a zoisite mineral.
The Maasai tribe believes that God created this rare blue gemstone by using lightning to strike fire to the grassland which turned the rocks inside the planet into a blue-violet color as the fire cooled.
Geologists, on the other hand, believe that the gemstone was created by massive tectonic plate activity and intense heat. The random incorporation of the vanadium gave it the blue and violet colors that we know.
Tanzania is the world’s only source of Tanzanite, making it a very rare gem. Geologists believe that the chemical environment required to form the gemstone is so unique that the probability of discovering another deposit is next to impossible. The formation event is so unique, it is often described as a “geological phenomenon”.
In 1968, Tiffany & Co introduced the gemstone to the market and named it Tanzanite after its country of origin and further calling it "The gemstone find of the century".
In 2002, Tanzanite was chosen as a birthstone for December by the American Gem Trade Association, the first change made to their birthstone list since the last change in 1912.
In 2006, research was done and it indicated that at the current production rates and estimated resources, the Tanzanite deposit has a life expectancy of around 20 years (Olivier, 2006)
While it’s still a very young gemstone, Tanzanite’s popularity exceeds some of the long-known gemstones.
With only one known source in the world, the size of the Tanzanite deposit will continue to diminish as Tanzanite continues to grow in popularity. Your ability to purchase Tanzanite in the future will prove difficult as global demand for the gemstone grows while the supply stays limited. As of 2006, the Tanzanite deposits in Mererani were estimated to have a life expectancy of 20 years only.
The growing demand versus limited supply has already resulted in price increases as Tanzanite gains popularity in the European, Caribbean, and Asian markets in addition to the traditional US market.
The rise in demand for Tanzanite is not only attributed to its beauty factors but also its relative cheapness as compared to a similar-looking but more expensive Sapphire. The gemstones resemble in color but differ in hardness whereas Tanzanite is softer than Sapphire.
The hardness of Sapphire is one of the factors for its higher price even though Tanzanite is the rarer of the two. Tanzanite’s discovery came as an alternative to Sapphire, and those who like blue gemstones were finally presented with a cost-effective but rare choice in Tanzanite.
Further price changes are to be expected as demand continues to grow while supply drops making now a good time to buy the rare blue gemstone.
It is expected that large and quality gemstones will also become rare as the deposits dry up. Currently, one can find Tanzanite gemstones in different sizes and shapes. As time goes by, larger gemstones will be rare and very expensive to find.
If you are looking to buy Tanzanite of your preferred size and high quality at a reasonable price, now is a good time to do so.
Within the decade, Tanzanite experience has been able to sell high-quality Tanzanite gemstones and jewelry. We have accomplished this via our online store and through our shops in Arusha, Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro.
With locations across Tanzania, in cities and national parks alike, we have been able to cater to locals and tourists visiting the country. We thought that it was high time for us to bring Tanzanite to Zanzibar - from bush to the beach.
Did you know that Tanzanite comes in different hues of blues and violets? Tanzanite displays vibrant hues of blues and violets. It is one of the rarest gemstones found only in Tanzania, in the Mererani Hills in Arusha.
Depending on which direction it is viewed, Tanzanite can appear blue, violet, or even red. However, blue remains the most sought-after and high-value color of Tanzanite. If you are looking for a piece that states uniqueness, rarity, and elegance, then Tanzanite is your best bet, the bluer the better
Did you know that Zanzibar is the best place in Tanzania to enjoy clear blue ocean water and white sandy beaches? It also has the most mesmerizing sunrise and sunset.
Zanzibar is located off the East Coast of Tanzania. It is made of two islands, Unguja Island (what most people refer to as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island. It is well known for its beach experiences, offering memorable opportunities for swimming, surfing, diving, fishing, and a lot more.
The island also has an abundance of fish and seafood. You can witness this by visiting the Forodhani gardens in the evenings. You will be amazed by the variety of fish and seafood on display.
However, the mesmerizing blue ocean is not the only thing that we love about Zanzibar, or what makes it unique. Zanzibar is rich in cultural history as it was once under the influence of the Sultanate of Oman.
Traces of that influence can be seen to date via the buildings such as Sultan’s Palace, as well as influences in religion and culture. While the islands were ruled by other nations, the Arabs left a stronger footprint which can still be seen in Zanzibar today.
Being a producer of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, Zanzibar gained the name "Spice Islands". The spice market in Zanzibar is a perfect opportunity to indulge your sense of smell and makes for a great shopping opportunity for souvenirs.
For the love of all that is unique and rare, we couldn’t help to make the blues meet. The Tanzanite Experience is soon to be available in Zanzibar. We are truly excited to bring our favorite elegant blue stone to our favorite exotic island.
It makes you wonder why people say they’re feeling blue when they’re not feeling good. Certainly blue is a wonderful shade, and we welcome you to explore Zanzibar and stop by our shop.
Tanzanite Jewelry has gained popularity over time due to the rarity of the gem. It is used as a choice gem in rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Adding Tanzanite jewelry to your outfit creates a statement and you are bound to stand out from the crowd.
Purchasing a piece of Tanzanite jewelry depends greatly on your taste and preference. However, there are factors that are most likely to affect your purchasing choice such as:
The cost of Tanzanite jewelry is one of the factors that will determine which piece to select. The cost of this blue gemstone is influenced by a lot of factors such as the carat, color, cut, and clarity; commonly known as the 4Cs. A big violet-blue color stone that is perfectly cut and has the best clarity will be more expensive than a lighter-shade stone.
Your personal style and the occasions you attend will also influence your selection of Tanzanite jewelry. As far as personal style goes, some people prefer simple designs regardless of the occasion, while others go for statement pieces.
For daily wear, simple designs will work in your favor. For occasions where you desire a bolder look, more elaborate and larger-sized designs would be the ideal choice.
The gems are made into jewelry by setting the gemstones into sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum. The choice of complimenting metal is totally up to your style, taste, and budget.
Apart from setting this blue gemstone in a holding metal, Tanzanite jewelry can be made by pairing it with other gems. It is often paired with Diamonds or Sapphires to add to the glamorous aspect of the jewel.
The question of where to wear your jewelry is common among people with this fine gemstone.
Generally, jewelry can be worn on any occasion depending on the design of the jewelry.
Tanzanite jewelry with rounded edges like oval-shaped can be worn for everyday use. Pieces with cornered shapes like princess or emerald cut can be reserved for special occasions to minimize the chances of bumps and scratches that might take a toll on the edges of your jewelry.
Certain types of jewelry can also be worn for everyday use such as in engagement and wedding rings as long as the gemstone has been properly set.
Since the gemstone is delicate, everyday use can cause damage to your jewelry, especially for people with an active lifestyle. The better option for everyday use is wearing this rare blue gemstone in the form of rings or necklace pendants.
Let’s take a look at how you can add your different types of Tanzanite jewelry into your outfits.
Wearing a necklace highly depends on the design of your outfit. If your outfit covers your neck, it’s wise to leave your necklace at home. You can also skip your necklace if you will be adding a neck scarf to your outfit. The scarf will hide the necklace.
If your outfit design leaves your neck area bare, that’s a perfect chance to wear your necklace and highlight delicate features.
Tanzanite earrings are a great finishing touch to your outfit. Care has to be taken on the choice of Tanzanite earrings based on your outfit. For formal wear, you can go for elegant but simple designs.
Avoid jewelry pieces with complicated designs or patterns on formal occasions, those are best reserved for social or informal occasions.
When going for casual outfit stud earrings are the way to go.
You can never go wrong with a bracelet unless you are wearing a long-sleeved outfit. If you are going for a short-sleeved outfit, a bracelet will complete your look. Since Tanzanite is by itself a statement item, avoid wearing other bracelets or bangles on the same hand. Let it stand out!
Fashion-wise, Tanzanite rings will work for any outfit you choose. The most caution to be taken in choosing a Tanzanite ring to complement your outfit is on the type of occasion that you are attending.
You will also need to consider the amount of physical activity that you'll be performing. It increases the chance of putting a strain on your ring. It may not be a great idea to wear a Tanzanite ring for a night out, but might be perfectly fine for a gala dinner.
Tanzanite jewelry with a very light shade of violet-blue will go with almost any outfit. However, the intense blue-colored Tanzanite needs more care. The intense blue Tanzanite has been known to work with black, white, gray, and a range of pale colors.
However, with fashion, a little bit of creativity goes a long way. Don’t let these recommendations stop you from experimenting with what works best for you.
Gemstones are something that we use so much in our daily lives. As a status symbol of wealth and power or its aura and benefits. Some sit concealed away until an important day, while some are on our fingers every day.
Do you know what type of gemstone you have? Read along to identify the value of what you possess. In the gemstone world, you will often hear the terms precious gemstone and rare gemstones.
Commonly these terms are used interchangeably by many due to the confusion that they mean the same. Before we can dive into the splendor of breathtaking gemstones, it is vital to understand the difference between precious and rare.
Gemstones get the precious label when the majority of people around the world seem to prefer them. We can say that the preciousness of a stone depends on personal opinions. However, the rarity of a gemstone depends on its availability and ease of discovery. A gem can be precious but not necessarily rare, and vice versa.
In no particular order, here are the 10 rarest gemstones in the world.
The discovery of Poudretteite was during the 1960s as tiny crystals in Mont St. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. However, it gained recognition as a mineral in 1986. The mineral Poudretteite gets its name from the family that operated the quarry in Mont St Hilaire.
Poudretteite is so rare that clean gems over 1 carat are hard to find. A discovery done in 2000 in Burma provided the first documented gem-quality specimen. There is an assumption that the 9.41-carat Gem from Burma is the largest faceted Poudretteite in existence. Frances Miller Seay gifted the gemstone to The Smithsonian Museum in the National Gem Collection in 2007, where you can currently find it.
Tanzanite rapidly rose to prominence among jewelers and gem enthusiasts following its discovery in 1967. The Maasai, who stumbled upon a cluster of intense violet-blue crystals, discovered it. Its only known source to date is in the Merelani Hills near Arusha in northern Tanzania. The Maasai alerted a fortune hunter named Manuel d’Souza, who registered mining claims thinking he had a new sapphire deposit. Little did he know that he laid hands on one a new mineral. This rare gem is scarce and is minable for another 20-30 years only.
Naturally reddish-brown, Tanzanite achieves its blue-to-violet color with heat treatment as most gems found in the commercial markets are. Blue Tanzanites are usually more valued than violet ones. An unheated blue Tanzanite is extremely rare to find.
Benitoite is a rare blue to purple gemstone discovered in 1907 in the San Benito Mountains, California. The stone was declared the State Gem of California in 1985. It is similar in color to at least one of the rare gemstones on this list. When James M. Couch discovered it, he initially believed that it was a sapphire due to its resemblance of color. After being sent to the University of California in 1909, the tests confirmed it as an unknown mineral. It then got its name from the Benito Mountains.
When a Benitoite is intensely blue, the color can mask its high dispersion. The consumer is left to choose between a dark blue stone with less dispersion or a lighter blue stone with high dispersion. It is a choice that very few people have to make since the public has remained largely unaware of this gem due to its scarcity. The mine was closed in 2006, making Benitoite even rarer.
These rare gemstones get their name after a French explorer, Alfred Grandidier, who studied the natural history of Madagascar. The discovery of Grandidierite was in 1902 in Southern Madagascar., Through recent excavations, there has been a discovery of a new Grandidierite deposit in 2014 in Madagascar.
Grandidierite gemstones are often translucent, with blue-green Gemstones hardly seen. Grandidierite is pleochroic and can transmit blue, green, and white light. It is very resistant to scratching hence ideal for jewelry use. Due to their scarcity, faceted stones are rare.
Red Beryl, also known as Bixbite, is different from Bixbyite. The similarity in the name comes from being discovered by the same mineralogist, Maynard Bixby. Bixby discovered Red Beryl in the Wah-Wah Mountains in Utah in 1904. About 95% of the stones found each year are of lower grades. Very few crystals are of gem quality, and those are kept by mineral collectors and never faceted.
Red Beryl can be red, deep rose, or raspberry pink in color. Pure beryl is colorless; any color in this rock signifies impurities. However, due to its rare nature, any size and color are appreciated and highly demanded. A survey by the Utah Geological Survey estimated that only one Red Beryl is available for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds.
People often used the term Jade to refer to Jadeite until 1863 when it was discovered that there are two distinct mineral species; Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite, the intense green is probably what most people have in mind when they talk of Jade.
Jadeite has historically been used to make Jewelry, decorative objects, and weapons and in high-end musical instruments such as chimes, xylophones, and gongs.
Although the most known Jadeite is the imperial jade color gemstone, Jadeite is also found in lavender, yellow, orange-red, blue, and black colors. It can also be colorless.
Jadeite is highly prized in Chinese, Mayan, and Maori cultures and has legends in music, spiritual rituals, and medicine. Today, China remains the biggest market for Jadeite.
The initial discovery of the Black Opal was in the 1880s in Lightning Ridge, Australia. Its value came to be known after Charlie Nettleton sold the first parcel of Black opal in 1903.
Most opals are usually creamy-white and display play-of-color resulting in flashes of colored lights. White, grey, and green opals are the most common. The Black Opal, only found in Australia, is the rarest of all opals.
Black Opals often have a black body color, though there may be variations with dark bluish, greenish, or brownish undertones.
The most valuable Black Opals are darker in color and have brighter inclusions. Aurora Australis is an invaluable Black Opal of all time.
The discovery of Taaffeite was in 1945 by geologist Richard Taafe. His story of discovery is quite interesting, involving both frustration and luck. Taafe bought a box of what he thought were spinels. While testing them, he noticed a difference in one of them and sent it to be analyzed. The test uncovered that it was an unknown gemstone. He, however, had no idea of its actual origin. The source of this gem is traced back to Sri Lanka.
Taaffeite is so rare that only a handful of the gemstones are available. It is estimated that less than 50 specimens of Taaffeite exist, most of them held in geological and private collections. In addition to Sri Lanka, this gem is also found in Tanzania and China.
Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains, Russia. The gemstone colors, red and green, were Russia’s imperial colors at the time. Therefore, the mineral was named after Czar Alexander II. Alexander II was, at the time of discovery, the next in line as Russia's Emperor.
Often called Emerald by day, and ruby by night, Alexandrite has outstanding color-changing abilities and can appear green to blue in daylight but red to purple in incandescent light.
The gemstone’s association with the Russian emperor may have helped the gem gain its prestigious status. Alexandrite was associated with royalty and beauty, and its rarity mystified this gemstone even further.
The source of Alexandrite in Russia was almost exhausted after a few decades of mining. It remains a rare stone even with the discovery of Alexandrite in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
The Guinness Book of World Records named Painite the world’s rarest mineral. It was discovered in Burma in 1951 by British gemologist Arthur Charles Davy Pain, and for decades, only two specimens were known to exist. More Painite gemstones have been discovered, however, as of 2004, there were still less than two dozen known gemstones.
In recent years, Myanmar has begun to produce Painite at a couple of mines but still, only about 1000 gemstones are known to exist and most of them aren’t facet-able. The gemstone remains extremely rare and buying one would be a pain in the wallet.
A Grecian native living in Tanzania discovered a Sapphire deposit near the Umba river, Korogwe District in Tanga. He was not a gemologist and contacted a famous trading house, which exported large amounts of this stone.
This marvelous gemstone is known for its unique color. It is available in a variety of colors, which includes purple, blue, green, orange, red, and pink. The mind-blowing feature of the Umba Sapphires is that they can change color depending on the light. However, Umba Sapphires are best known for their warm tones of orange, yellow, and gold. These are some of the few gemstones that are not treated but left in their natural state.
Spinels have been around for decades, a stone that is commonly confused with the Ruby Gemstone. However, the Mahenge Spinel changed the views of many. The discovery of the Mahenge Spinel is a recent one compared to other gemstones. Workers in a farmer's field at Ipangko, south of Mahenge (Tanzania) retrieved a 52kg spinel crystal in 2007.
The whole crystal was not of top quality; however, breaking off chunks from the sides led to thousands of carats of Gem-quality Mahenge Spinel. This is processed in Thailand, and this beautiful pink gemstone has gained the spotlight as one of the most vibrant stones available today.
And there you have a list of some of the most amazing treasures hidden deep under the layers of earth. Which one caught your eye? And which one has made it a priority during your next shopping spree or even investment decision?
With its deep blue color and violet hues, Tanzanite is one of the most beautiful blue gemstones known to the world found in the Tanzanite Museums. A symbol of elegance, sophistication, and boldness, owning and complementing your outfits with a piece of tanzanite jewelry is sure to make you stand out in a crowd. However, Tanzanite has more to offer than just a pretty look.
If you have already been to the world’s only Tanzanite Museum in Arusha, then you must know all the reasons why Tanzanite is such a unique and valuable piece of jewelry. If you haven’t, here are some of the best features highlighted throughout the tour of our Tanzanite museum.
The worth of a Tanzanite stone is deeply interlinked with the history of its people. Found at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the stone is said to have first been discovered in 1967 by Jumanne Ngoma, a local herdsman who spotted a shiny blue crystal and shared his finding with gem prospector, Manual D’Souza.
Originally and scientifically called Blue Zoisite due to its composition, it is only after a few years that the stone was renamed Tanzanite after its country of origin. The Tanzanite gemstone has since held a significant place in the heritage and growth of the people of Tanzania.
Among the most attractive features of Tanzanite is its rarity. The tectonic activity, intense heat, and mineral composition which created the blue zoisite are said to be so improbable they are considered a geological phenomenon. Geologists have estimated the possibility of finding another Tanzanite deposit in the world as impossible, making the Kilimanjaro region its only source with mines which are expected to run out in the next 10 to 20 years.
This factor makes Tanzanite one of the rarest and most mesmerizing gems in the world. Even said to be a thousand times rarer than a diamond, the stone has incredible collectible value by laws of supply and demand.
While you would expect such a rare stone to be impossibly expensive, Tanzanite remains fairly affordable in comparison to other gems. Evaluated on factors such as carat weight, grading, color, and cut among others, the gemstone remains a worthwhile investment asset that will keep on gaining value over time.
Passing on a family heirloom is a sign of love, affection, pride, and continuity symbolizing the handing down of family heritage. In this optic, what better token of your unique love than the gemstone of a generation? The rarity, beauty, and collectability of the Tanzanite is the perfect symbol to honor this tradition and pass on a valuable heritage to future generations.
Turning your gaze back to ancient Greece, Europe, and the old ages, you’ll come across this unique healing practice which is still fairly popular today. Lithotherapy or stone healing is the belief that specific gemstones hold different attributes, and powers and benefit their wearer. Tanzanite is said to be a stone of good fortune and prosperity which holds physical and mental benefits. For example, wearing a tanzanite jewel is said to favor a positive effect on the brain, nervous system, skin and bones, liver, and more. It is also believed to stimulate imagination and creativity while strengthening memorization skills and developing intuition.
Visit the Tanzanite Museum for a Beautiful, rare, soulful, and investment-worthy, the Tanzanite is one of the most intriguing and desirable gems in the world. If you are already convinced, have a look at our online catalog and acquire the gem or jewel of your choice in a few simple steps.
Fancy Tanzanite has taken the market by storm with its rarity and high collectible value. This new gem, only discovered in 1967 and bound to disappear from our mines in the next few decades, has mesmerized more than one with its intense blues and deep violet hues. Scientifically called Blue Zoisite, the gem was given the name ‘Tanzanite’ by famous jeweler, Tiffany & Co in 1968 after its country of origin and only source, Tanzania.
However, the best kept secret of the Tanzanite trade lies in the existence of even rarer pieces of Tanzanite. While Blue Zoisite is already considered a million times rarer than diamond and is featured among some of the rarest gems in the world, some even rarer versions of the stone can be found in shades of vibrant Green, golden Yellow, delicate Pink, intense Orange and subtle Lilac.
These different colored zoisites are more commonly known as Fancy Tanzanite. This extraordinary occurrence is said to be the result of residues of varying minerals and elements at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro causing the formation of different colored zoisites.
For example, the blue-violet pigment we all love in Tanzanites is a result of the presence of Vanadium in the bedrock, however, Pink Tanzanite is said to contain traces of Manganese giving it its delicate rosy hue.
Blue Tanzanite, as we know it, is naturally brownish and acquires its clear blue pigmentation through a mix of natural and mild artificial heat-treatments which help clear out the brown residues. Fancy Tanzanites on the other hand are said to be naturally heat-treated only, that is the stones are heated by the temperature of the earth before the mining process.
One of the main things people consider when evaluating a Fancy Tanzanite is the purity of its color. Most mineral zoisites usually have a naturally occurring brown or greyish undertone which is undesirable. Clear and transparent zoisites are thus of higher value.
However, due to their rarity, the probability of mining a Fancy Tanzanite above 1 carat with pure colors is slim. Nevertheless, collectors are usually more than willing to pay a premium price for even the smallest pieces as they have incredible collectible value.
If we had to rank Fancy Tanzanite in order of rarity and value, pink and purple Tanzanite would easily make the top of the list as they are extremely rare, often selling at twice or even thrice the price of a Blue Tanzanite. These two would be closely followed by green, orange and lastly golden yellow.
The secret existence of these unique and stunning stones has been kept between high-end collectors and gemologists for many years. However, if you are an avid lover of rare gemstones, adding a set of Fancy Tanzanites to your list of future investments might be just what you need to crown your collection. Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our stores to find your perfect Fancy Tanzanite.
