We think we are holding in our hands a stone that exists only in a remote corner of the world, at the foot of a legendary mountain. A gemstone that changes color in front, going from the deep blue of the ocean to the deep purple of the twilight. This is Tanzanite, one of the rarest and most fascinating gemstones nature has ever created. And it is only found here, in Tanzania.
What is Tanzanite and why is it so valuable
Tanzanite belongs to the zoisite mineral family and is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Diamonds, rubies and emeralds are found on several continents, Tanzanite has a single home: a small area of just 20 square kilometers in Tanzania. This geographical exclusivity makes it about a thousand times rarer than the diamond itself.
The secret of its beauty lies in pleochroism, an extraordinary optical characteristic. Look at a Tanzanite from an angle and you’ll see a deep blue like the night sky. Rotate it slightly and a regal purple will appear. In some stones, under certain lights, you can even see a reddish glow. This play of colors is the result of the crystalline structure of the gemstone, which interacts with light in ever-changing ways.
In recent decades, it has conquered collectors and jewelers all over the world, becoming one of the most sought-after colored gemstones after sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Its value continues to grow year after year, not least because geological estimates suggest that the mines could be depleted soon.
The history and discovery of Tanzanite
The history of Tanzanite is as recent as it is fascinating. Manuel D’Souza, at the time, was in the area looking for sapphires, and immediately knew he was facing something exceptional with tanzanite. After gemological analysis, the stone was identified as a never-before-seen variety of zoisite in that blue-violet coloration. News of the discovery soon reached the United States, where executives at Tiffany & Co. recognized the gem’s commercial potential.
It was Tiffany who baptized it “tanzanite” in honor of the country of origin, a decidedly more captivating name than the technical “blue zoisite”. The famous New York jeweler launched an international advertising campaign that presented it as the gem of the century, available only in two places in the world: in Tanzania and at Tiffany’s. The success was immediate.
Where is Tanzanite found in Tanzania
Tanzanite comes exclusively from the mines of Mererani, a locality located in the Manyara region, at the southern foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. This small area, about four kilometers wide and seven kilometers long, is the only place on Earth where the geological conditions necessary for the formation of tanzanite exist.
The mines are located a short distance from Arusha, the city that many travelers know as the starting point for great safaris in northern Tanzania. Mererani itself is a small mining town where thousands of people live and work, directly or indirectly linked to the extraction of the gem.
But why is Tanzanite only formed here? About 585 million years ago, this area went through a series of exceptional tectonic and metamorphic events. The rocks were subjected to very high temperatures and pressures, creating the perfect conditions for the crystallization of zoisite with traces of vanadium and chromium, the elements that give tanzanite its characteristic color.
Experts agree that it is extremely unlikely to find other Tanzanite deposits elsewhere in the world. The conditions that generated it are too specific, too rare. This geographical constraint makes each mined Tanzanite even more valuable – it is literally a unique and irreplaceable piece of East Africa.
Characteristics and properties of Tanzanite
The dominant color is a deep blue with purple hues, although the exact hue varies from stone to stone. The finest tanzanites display a saturated and vibrant blue, technically called “royal blue” with purple accents.
Pleochroism is the hallmark of Tanzanite. When light passes through the gemstone, it can appear blue when viewed from one direction, purple from another, and sometimes reddish from a third. Depending on natural or artificial lighting, the stone seems almost alive, always different.
On the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals from 1 to 10, Tanzanite ranks between 6.5 and 7: it is strong enough to be used in rings, earrings and necklaces, but requires little attention. With proper care it can last generations.
How to recognize an authentic Tanzanite
Unfortunately, the Tanzanite market, like that of many rare gemstones, also attracts sellers who offer imitations or synthetic stones that are not authentic.
The first and most important tip: always ask for a gemological certificate. An authentic certificate shows the precise characteristics of the stone: size, carat weight, clarity, color, presence of treatments.
The pleochroism test is an empirical way to verify authenticity. Look at the stone under natural light by rotating it slowly. A real Tanzanite will clearly show its different colors. Glass imitations or low-quality synthetic stones fail to replicate this effect convincingly.
Beware of prices that are too low. If someone offers a five-carat tanzanite for 100 euros, it is almost certainly not authentic. A stone of that size and of good quality is worth several thousand euros.
On a trip to Tanzania, the markets and shops are full of proposals, but it is best to shop at authorized retailers who can show their credentials and issue appropriate documentation.
The different qualities and gradations of Tanzanite
Not all Tanzanians are created equal. As with diamonds, there are precise criteria for assessing the quality of a Tanzanite, and these criteria influence the final price. The four main factors are color, clarity, cut , and carat, also known as the “4Cs” (Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat).
Color is the most important criterion. AAA-grade tanzanites exhibit a deep, saturated blue-violet, with exceptional brightness. These stones are rare and expensive. Grade AA tanzanites have a beautiful color but less saturation or brightness. Grade A stones have lighter or less pure shades. Finally, there are commercial tanzanites, with pale or poorly defined colors, which still have their own market but at affordable prices.
Clarity refers to the presence of visible inclusions, and then there’s cutting, the art of shaping raw stone to maximize its beauty. The most common cuts for Tanzanite are oval, cushion, emerald, and trilliant.
Where to Buy Authentic Tanzanite on a Tanzania Safari
One of the advantages of going on safari in Tanzania is the possibility of buying Tanzanite directly in the country of origin, often at cheaper prices than in Europe or the United States. But where to go? And how to orient yourself?
Arusha is the unofficial capital of the Tanzanite trade. The city is home to dozens of specialty stores, some of them with decades of experience and established reputations.
Magilani Safaris offers purchase from trusted retailers. It is possible to buy Tanzanite directly in the mining area, but you need specific knowledge to evaluate a rough or freshly cut stone.
Tanzanite buying advice and prices
Talking about prices for Tanzanite is complex because there are many variables. A commercial-grade one-carat stone can cost $200-$300, but a five-carat AAA Tanzanite can exceed thousands of dollars.
When shopping in Tanzania, you should keep in mind the Tanzanian currency: the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Sellers often quote prices in U.S. dollars for convenience, but knowing the exchange rate helps you better evaluate offers. Considering the cost and rarity of this precious gem, it is good to think of it as an investment, not a souvenir to take with you.
How to care for Tanzanite jewelry
How to keep Tanzanite beautiful over time? Although it is not an extremely fragile stone, it does require some care to preserve its splendor.
The golden rule is to avoid shocks, because it can splinter, although not easily. It is better to remove tanzanite rings and bracelets before doing sports, gardening or manual work. When the jewel is not worn, it should be stored in a separate case, preferably lined with soft fabric.
Cleaning should be done gently, with a solution of warm water and neutral soap, and dried with a soft cloth, preferably microfiber. Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, ammonia or chemicals. If the jewel needs professional cleaning, take it to an experienced jeweler who knows the characteristics of the stone. Always periodically, in the presence of an expert, it is good to check the setting.
Tanzanite is a fragment of Africa to carry with it, a tangible memory. It’s the blue of the sky above Kilimanjaro and the purple of the flowers that bloom in the rainy season.
Do you want to discover Tanzania in all its beauty and take home an authentic treasure? Magilani Safaris takes you not only through the most spectacular natural parks in Africa, but also to discover the traditions, crafts and hidden wonders of this extraordinary country. Contact us now to plan your perfect safari and make your trip a complete and unforgettable experience.
