Exotic tanzanite, located between fresh blue, bright purple and deep purple, is found in only one place on earth, near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
This gemological phenomenon has only recently been discovered. In 1967 at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is also the only source in the world.
The discoverer of tanzanite is considered to be the Portuguese geologist Manuel De Souza, who originally thought it was a specific type of emerald. Upon arrival in Europe, he discovered that it was a newly discovered gem. It wasn’t long before the world’s jewelry became interested in tanzanite. However, tanzanite owes its reputation in the world of jewelry to the well-known Tiffany, who was the first to name it. Tanzanite is a variety of zoisite. The blue color is caused by scattered vanadium inclusions and its subsequent heat treatment to 400-600 ° C. The heated pieces must be free of cracks and inclusions.
Tanzanite is slightly softer than quartz, reaching 6-7 on the hardness scale. It should not come into contact with acids and will not be cleaned by ultrasound. It has a white scratch, glass luster and is fragile.
The only world sites of this unique lie in Tanzania, Africa. The largest tanzanite officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records and the largest natural tanzanite in the world was the 16,839 carat (3.38 kg) stone mined at Tanzanite One in 2005. It measures 22 × 8 × 7 cm and weighs 16,839 carats, i.e. over 3 kg. His name is Mawenzi and he was named after the second highest peak of Kilimanjaro.
However, the larger tanzanites that go on the consumer market are heat treated to get their typical blue color. The price also rises with the quality blue color. The rarest is the blue color called paris blue. The most beautiful tanzanites got their names: e.g. Queen Kilimanjaro, weighs 242 carats (almost 50 g) and is set in an elegant tiara. The company makes him 803 rare green grenades and 913 diamonds. The tiara is made of 18-carat gold and is currently in the private collection of Michael Scott, the first president of Apple Corporation.
A magnificent necklace called Heart of the Ocean appeared in the movie Titanic. It appeared on the canvas as a jewel with a blue diamond. In reality, however, tanzanite “played” the role in the film. Few people know that this necklace with a stone cut into an oval actually existed in history. It was owned by King Louis XVI. But later it disappeared and was never rediscovered.
Celebrities also adorn Tanzanites. The tanzanite ring with a 10 ct stone in the shape of a cushion is owned by the singer Beyoncé. Actress Anne Hathaway chose tanzanite earrings at the Oscars. On the same occasion, a necklace with diamonds and tanzanites in 2011 was also beautified by actress Cate Blanchett. Sarah Jessica Parker also owns jewelry with these beautiful gems.
Tanzanite has 5 colors of purity – investment, AAA, AA, A and B. From 2020 to 2007, prices rose rapidly as interest in tanzanite increased. World celebrities also contributed to this. From $ 200 per carat at medium quality, sales rose to $ 600 or more per carat.
Quality jewelry with tanzanite and especially made by world jewelry brands such as. Tiffany, Cartier, etc. the price is high.
