Tanzanite

Item Description

As gemstones go, Tanzanite is still fairly new on the market. Gems like Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald have been known for thousands of years, but Tanzanite was only discovered in 1968. It is undoubtedly the most popular colored gemstone in the United States, and the number 1 investment gemstone for collectors and dealers alike. The amazing rich blue and purple colors combined with the fact that it is only found in one locality in the world, makes it one of the ultimate combinations of rarity and beauty. Mining is done on a large commercial scale today at Merelani, 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 strangle hold on the global price of Tanzanite. I has been reported that a new grading system will soon be implemented for Tanzanite, making it the very 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. A few years ago in Tucson, it was said the high retail value of the finest, large, deep blue Tanzanite stones had 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 attractive blue-violet color "Round" cut gem that is very slightly included in clarity. Enjoy.