Tanzanite

Item Description

Tanzanite is the blue/purple variety of the mineral Zoisite, first discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania. Faceted Tanzanite has been the most popular colored stone on the market in the United States for many years now. Whether it's at the big gem shows around Tucson, or on the gem shopping networks on TV, or online, we have been told that Tanzanite remains the #1 stone for buyers. This is due to the fact that there is only one place on earth that produces the material, and the supply is carefully controlled at the mine site. Virtually every good piece of rough is faceted on location to maximize profitability. We've been hearing that the supply at Merelani will run out in 10 years, but it's hard to say if this information is credible or a way to maintaining interest in the material. This particular stone is a fine, nearly eye clean, "Oval Brilliant" cut gem showing a lovely purple color with a blue overtone. A perfect gem for a collector or a piece of jewelry.