Tanzanite

Item Description

Tanzanite is named after the country in which it was discovered. This blue/purple variety of Zoisite, is undoubtedly one of the most popular colored gemstones in the world. The general story regarding the discovery of Tanzanite starts in 1967 when a Masai herder found loose, gem quality, intense violet-to-blue crystals which had weathered out of schist on the surface in Merelani in northern Tanzania. This tribesman alerted a man named Manuel d'Souza, who had the good sense to quickly register the mining claims. Today 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 operation in general to keep a tight strangle hold on the global price of Tanzanite. It has been reported that a new grading system will soon be implemented for Tanzanite, making it the very first colored stone in history to have specific criteria that will allow gems to be categorized based on their cut, clarity, color, size etc. The ONLY system for grading gems in the world is used for Diamonds, but if faceted Tanzanites is to be held to the same standard, this will only increase the value of these already pricey gems. 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 a virtually eye clean, "Round Brilliant" cut gem with a beautiful blue-violet color. A perfect little gem for a collector or a modest piece of jewelry.