Tanzanite

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is one of the rarest, most sought after gemstones; and those of the finest quality will fetch nearly any price. It is found only in Tanzania in small mines on the plains not far from Mount Kilimanjaro and its distribution is tightly controlled. It was first discovered by some members of the Massai tribe who picked up a crystalline rock of great beauty off the earth.

Tanzanite ranges in color from bluish to purple blue, though the larger finer specimens can also have tones of yellow as well. It more brittle and difficult to cut due to fissures, than other gemstones. On Moh's scale, it has a hardness of 6.5 to 7. The exquisite blue color symbolizes, to some, purity of spirit and immaculate elegance.