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Tanzanite—a rare and mesmerizing gemstone with a royal blue-violet color that has captivated the world. Discovered only in the 1960s, it is one of the most exclusive gemstones on the market today. Found in just one place on Earth—beneath the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania—tanzanite’s rarity and beauty make it highly sought-after.
Not only is tanzanite celebrated for its unique color, but its investment potential continues to rise. Why is this gemstone in such high demand? What legends surround it, and why is its value expected to increase?
1. History: A Gemstone 1,000 Times Rarer Than Diamonds
Unlike sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, whose histories date back thousands of years, tanzanite is a relatively young gemstone.
In 1967, a Maasai herder named Ali Juuyawatu discovered vibrant blue crystals in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. At first, they were mistaken for sapphires, but analysis revealed that this was an entirely new variety of the mineral zoisite.
The gemstone quickly caught the attention of the famous jewelry house Tiffany & Co., which named it “Tanzanite” after its exclusive origin—Tanzania.
Since then, tanzanite has become one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, with its popularity only continuing to grow.
2. Where Is Tanzanite Mined?
Tanzanite is the only gemstone in the world found in just one location—a small mining area covering about 8 square kilometers near Arusha, Tanzania.
🌍 Tanzania – The only known source of tanzanite. It was formed over 500 million years ago due to intense geological activity.
This extreme scarcity means that once the deposits are exhausted, no new sources will be found. That’s why tanzanite is often called “a gemstone of a generation”, as future generations may never have access to it.
Tanzanian miner Saniniu Laizer found two massive pieces of tanzanite weighing 9.2 kg and 5.8 kg, which he sold for $3.2 million.
3. Tanzanite in Legends: A Stone of Enlightenment and Magic
💎 A Gift from the Gods – The Maasai people believe that tanzanite is a sacred stone brought to Earth by divine forces. It was traditionally gifted to newborns in royal Maasai families as a symbol of prosperity and protection.
💎 A Stone of Transformation – Spiritualists consider tanzanite to be a gemstone of deep intuition and enlightenment.
💎 Connected to Kilimanjaro – According to legend, tanzanite’s vibrant color appeared after lightning struck the Earth, transforming brown zoisite crystals into a brilliant blue gemstone.
💎 A Mysterious Color-Changing Effect – Tanzanite exhibits pleochroism, meaning it changes color when viewed from different angles—shifting from blue to violet and even reddish hues.
Tanzanite is often referred to as the "Crystal of the Soul," as it is believed to help its wearer find true purpose in life.
4. Investment Value of Tanzanite: Why Is Its Price Continuously Rising?
Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, estimated to be 1,000 times rarer than diamonds.
📈 What Determines Tanzanite’s Value?
✔ Color – The most valuable tanzanites have an intense, deep blue-violet hue. The darker the color, the higher the value.
✔ Clarity – High-clarity tanzanites with minimal inclusions are highly prized.
✔ Size – Tanzanites over 5 carats are rare, and their price increases exponentially.
✔ Origin – Since tanzanite is found only in Tanzania, its limited availability enhances its investment potential.
💰 Top-quality tanzanites range from $1,000 to $3,000 per carat, and with declining supply, their value is expected to skyrocket.
Due to its unique geological exclusivity and increasing demand, tanzanite is considered one of the best gemstones for investment.
5. How to Care for Tanzanite?
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6–7 on the Mohs scale, making it more durable than opal but softer than sapphire or diamond. Proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance.
🔹 Clean only with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.
🔹 Never use ultrasonic cleaners, as they can cause fractures.
🔹 Protect it from hard impacts, as it can scratch or break.
🔹 Store separately from harder gemstones to avoid damage.
6. The World’s Most Famous Tanzanites
💎 "Queen of Kilimanjaro" – One of the largest tanzanites ever found, weighing 242 carats, set into a crown adorned with 913 diamonds.
💎 "Billionaire Blue" – The largest tanzanite ever sold at auction, weighing 383.4 carats.
💎 "Midnight Blue" – A deep blue tanzanite weighing 122.7 carats, one of the purest ever discovered.
Queen of Kilimanjaro - The tiara is part of the private collection of Michael Scott, the first president of Apple.
7. Why Invest in Tanzanite?
✅ Extremely rare – Tanzanite is found in only one place in the world.
✅ Limited supply – Once the mine is depleted, its value will rise dramatically.
✅ Steady price increase – Over the past few decades, tanzanite prices have continually risen.
✅ Unique color effect – Its pleochroism makes it a one-of-a-kind gemstone.
💎 Looking for a tanzanite that is both a breathtaking jewel and a valuable investment?