Tanzanite is marketed as a jewel that’s rarer than diamonds. So, the interest (and demand) around it is understandably high. But as a matter of fact, there’s more to Tanzanite than meets the eye.
Here’s what the fuss is all about, plus information on where you can find this December birthstone.
(Pssst… you can skip the fuss and read about Tanzanite mining locations here)
The People’s Story
It all began in the year 1967. One fine day, an area of northern Tanzania called Merelani seemed to glow unusually. This caught the attention of a Masai tribesman who (as any of us probably would) was tempted to take a closer look. What he saw was a cluster of highly transparent and intense violet-blue crystals that looked like a natural treasure. The locals believed what they were seeing was born from a bolt of lightning that had caused fire to burn down the area surrounding the discovery.
Word spread, and it soon reached a man called Manuel D’Souza. He was smart, so he didn’t waste any time. Four mining areas were registered under his name, and he hoped this particular part of Tanzania would be churning out precious blue sapphires. Prima facie, that’s what he thought he had found.
Well, the disappointment was short-lived, because what he did get his hands on was going to become one of the most sought-after gems in the world. A jewel that would have collectors and gemstone enthusiasts staring at it with dreamy eyes, and for good reasons. Rightly so, Tanzanite was declared “the most beautiful blue gemstone to be discovered in 2000 years”.
Where Can Tanzanite Be Found?
What you heard was true. Tanzanites are indeed rarer than diamonds. This is because, unlike the latter, this violet-blue gem can only be found in one place on earth – northern Tanzania. Its limited geographic origin is also one of the reasons for its immense popularity. All Tanzanite mines happen to be situated in an area of about eight square miles in the Merelani Hills, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and the city of Arusha.
The number of mines and the Tanzanites produced by them are both limited. So historically the price of this gem has seen a sharp rise and fall. That’s not all. The Tanzanian government can impose regulations that can severely affect the cost and availability of the entire world’s supply of Tanzanite. It could be rumors, but many believe that the current known Tanzanite resource could be depleted in just a few decades.
Jewelry Trends
Ruby, sapphire, emerald – these crowd favorites have existed for centuries. That’s not the case with Tanzanite. It became commercially available only in the late 1960s, which makes it a new gem on the block. But since then, its popularity has sky-rocketed and how! It didn’t take much time for the Tanzanite to be declared the official birthstone for the month of December and also to become a close competitor to the blue sapphire.
Today, this gem can be enjoyed in so many ways. From dramatic engagement rings to subtle stud earrings, you’ll seriously be left spoilt for choice. And if you’re looking for something to be passed down to your future generations, then we highly recommend you grab this. Who knows, it may get extinct sooner than you think.
Also Read – Is it Safe to Buy Tanzanite Online?
