Tanzanite

Item Description

Tanzanite is one of the most well-known and sought after colored stones in the world. For reference, Tanzanite is the varietal name given to blue/purple colored Zoisite from the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. The beautiful color and limited quantity of the material is what keeps it so in-demand. In fact, I was told in Tucson last year that Tanzanite is still the #1 colored gemstone in the United States in terms of overall sales. People just love these amazing and colorful gems, and Tanzanite remains as the top investment stone for collectors and dealers alike. They are truly one of the ultimate combinations of rarity and beauty in gem world. The Tanzanite mines at Merelani were first discovered in 1968 and the mining is done on a large commercial scale where almost every good piece of Tanzanite can be recovered quickly, faceted at or near the mine site, and shipped throughout the world in finished condition. This kind of control has allowed those who own the mine and the mining operation to keep a tight stranglehold on the global price of Tanzanite. In Tucson, it was said the high retail value of the finest, large, deep blue Tanzanite stones has now reached $2000 per carat, and is expected to rise every year herein. It is believed that the supply of Tanzanite at Merelani will last no longer than 10 more years, at which point the mining will cease, and no more Tanzanite may ever be mined again. Once the supply is cut off, you can expect that the price of Tanzanite will sky-rocket. This particular stone is an "Oval Brilliant" cut gem with a fairly strong blue-purple hue and very very slight inclusions. A wonderful representative gem for a collector or a modest piece of jewelry.