Tanzanite: The Rare Gemstone 50 Years Later

 In 1967, a Maasai tribesman named Jumanne Ngoma discovered fragments of exceptional blue-violet crystal in the lower regions of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. At first sight, it seemed to be sapphire, yet it was subsequently revealed that the stones were never seen with a variety of mineral zoisite (Calcium alumina hydroxyl silicate). The Zoisite mineral can naturally occur in many colors like pink, green, blue etc. or may even be colorless. Later, it became quite popular with each passing year.  It is 1000 times rarer and more valuable than diamond.

Tanzanite is a rare multi-dimensional gemstone that reflects vibrant tints of blues and violets. The reason which makes this perhaps the rarer gemstone is that the probability of finding tanzanite elsewhere except the Mererani Hills is practically impossible. It is well recognized for its blue-violet hues. However, the color of the stone varies from violet blue to bluish violet to violet purple. Tanzanite's hue ranges from vivid blue to mesmerizing purple and differs in immersion. But, a tanzanite gemstone with vivid blue color is an incredible sight. These stones are so rich and sumptuous in appearance that they can equal even the most wonderful blue sapphires. Today, we will brief you about the journey of this mesmerizing gemstone through the years and why it is the world's rarest.

Discovery of Tanzanite:

First discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. A tailor and part-time gold prospector Manuel d’Souza discovered a cluster of blue – Violet crystals in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the Merelani Hills. It was John Saul - a Nairobi based geologist, who sent samples to New York for correct identification. The samples were recognized as a new gem of the Zoisite variety. Later, Tiffany & Co renamed the ‘Blue Zoisite’ to ‘Tanzanite’ after its country of origin and also termed it as “the most important gemstone discovery in 2000 years.”

Birthstone for December-born:

In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association designated this beautiful blue stone as a birthstone for December month. The zodiac signs that are compatible with Tanzanite include Aries and Pisces. Apart from this, if you were born in December, then you are really fortunate to have three birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise and zircon.

According to Tanzanite’s mythological properties, it helps in enhancing the communication ability of a person. It also develops a person's ability to speak the truth. Also, it increases the sense of kindness and compassion within the wearer (It grows grace and sense of compassion in a person) and calms an overactive brain. It helps in raising the consciousness of the person meditating.  The element of this gemstone is air, which develops power in the wearer. It helps in getting rid of diseases and leads to physical and mental development. Wearing Tanzanite restores consciousness inside the individual and cleans the toxins from the body. Prevents skin related diseases.

Ranked 2^nd most popular blue colored stone in 2001:

In 2001, when the sales of Tanzanite soared it became the second most popular blue colored gemstone after Sapphire. The stone's magnificence and rarity charmed buyers. Everybody wanted to possess a piece of this gemstone. Today, all gems being sold as "tanzanite" have blue shading that has been enhanced by heating. A limited quantity of tanzanite in the commercial market has natural blue shading through the heat of metamorphism with no treatment by individuals. This normally blue, untreated tanzanite is ultimately rare and is very much appreciated by some gem buyers who search it out when making a purchase.

Tanzanite Vs Other Gemstones (Diamond and Sapphire):

Tanzanite is one of the most underrated gemstones in terms of its rarity. However, it is quite affordable in comparison to other precious gemstones such as Diamond and Sapphire. As a precious stone, tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than diamond and sapphire, yet it doesn’t have the same market value as them. A high-quality Diamond in a 5 carat size can range from $95,000 per carat while an extremely pure 5 carat Tanzanite will be in the $1500 to $2,100 range. On the other hand, the price of superior quality sapphire cost from $800 to $1200 per carat.

If you can't afford to buy diamond or sapphire jewelry and are searching for a similarly wonderful other option, then, at that point tanzanite will be a perfect decision. This gemstone is likewise very unique and mined distinctly in one place on the planet – the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, Tanzanite is an all natural gemstone, when contrasted with the widely available Sapphire made in a lab. The rarity, elegance and authenticity of the gemstone make it more alluring.

Author’s views:

It’s been over 50 years since Tanzanite was discovered for the first time, but the charm and value of this rare bluestone is increasing with time. Above is the past history of Tanzanite, but the future of Tanzanite market seems to be a brighter one. Given its scarcity, it would be reasonable to assume that its value will skyrocket in the coming years. Its rarity and exclusivity makes it an excellent investment option. This makes tanzanite a stone with extraordinary investment potential. In case you're buying a tanzanite for investment, we recommend you to keep in touch with a specialist first. Despite the fact that Tanzanite is incredibly rarer, this hasn't affected its price. Tanzanite is often known as the underrated gemstone since its worth doesn't compare to its elegance, magnificence or uniqueness.

However, there are few disadvantages of Tanzanite (like every other gemstone has).  The main disadvantage of Tanzanite will remain its durability as compared to other precious stones. As the stone resembles a sapphire, it doesn't have a similar kind of toughness. Talking about the hardness and durability, Tanzanite is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it a significant delicate gemstone. Apart from all this, Tanzanite can be a great option for people, who love to collect gemstones. On the other hand, it is popular among antique collectors too.