Discover the Mystique of Tanzanite: A Comprehensive Guide

Tanzanite is a unique and rare gemstone that is revered for its deep blue to violet hues. This beautiful gemstone is found only in one location on earth, the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. In this article, we will explore the history, properties, and value of Tanzanite and why it is a gemstone that is worth investing in.

The History of Tanzanite

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 by a local Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu. He stumbled upon a cluster of blue stones while herding cattle near the Merelani Hills. The stones were later identified as a new variety of zoisite, which was named Tanzanite.

Tanzanite was initially introduced to the international market in 1969 by Tiffany & Co, who recognized its unique beauty and potential as a gemstone. Since then, Tanzanite has become increasingly popular and is often used in high-end jewelry.

The Color of Tanzanite

The color of Tanzanite is one of the most important factors that determine its value. The most desirable color is a deep blue with a hint of violet, known as "velvet blue." Tanzanite that has a blue-gray color is considered to be of lower quality, while stones with a yellow or brown tint are the least valuable.

The Properties of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite minerals with the chemical composition of Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). It is a comparatively soft gemstone having a hardness of 6.5 -7 on the Mohs scale. Tanzanite is pleochroic, meaning it has the ability to display various colors depending on the angles. It's a blue to violet stone, among which the most precious stones are those with deep blue hues.

The Value of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is an extremely valuable gemstone that is often considered to be a semi-precious stone in comparison to other stones like sapphires and diamonds. The value of Tanzanite is determined by a variety of aspects, such as clarity, color as well as carat weight. The most expensive Tanzanite stones possess a deep blue hue with the tint of violet. The biggest Tanzanite ever discovered weighed 16,000 carats, and is believed to be worth $30 million.

The Mining of Tanzanite

Tanzania is the sole source of production of Tanzanite, and its supply is predicted to last just for several years. The mining of Tanzanite is carried out manually, making it a labor-intensive procedure. Miners are working in extreme conditions, while the method of removing Tanzanite from the earth is challenging and risky.

Despite its difficulties and challenges, Tanzanite mining has been an essential source of income for Maasai communities who often engage in mining. Unfortunately, concerns exist regarding environmental impacts caused by this process; therefore efforts are made to minimize them and promote sustainable operation methods.

Tanzanite and Healing Properties

Tanzanite has been believed to possess various healing properties as well as emotional ones. It is believed to aid with self-expression, communication and spiritual development. Tanzanite stone is believed to be calming and is believed to help reduce anxiety and stress. It is a stone commonly utilized in meditation, and it is thought to help improve concentration and mental clarity.

Conclusion

Tanzanite is an exclusive and valuable stone that is highly sought-after by jewelry lovers and collectors. Its rarity and beauty make it valuable for any collection and its nature and history are fascinating subjects of research. In this thorough guide, we've examined the background, properties and value of Tanzanite and how it's an important gemstone worthy of investment. Since the sole known supplier of Tanzanite is Tanzania, supply is extremely limited, and the stone is becoming more scarce. This means that Tanzanite is an extremely desired and valuable gemstone as prices continue to increase. Also, Tanzanite is a gem that requires regular maintenance and care. Hence it is also recommended to keep it separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching.

If you're thinking of buying Tanzanite, It is crucial to buy from a reputable dealer that can offer assurance and certification of the authenticity of the stone. One such gemstone dealer is Navratan, the online gem bazaar that provides gemstone certifications at the time of sale from trustworthy gemological institutions such as GIA, AGS and many more.