The History and Discovery of Tanzanite: A Gemstone Found Only in One Place on Earth

Tanzanite is a gem with beauty and history that made the hearts of many welcome this gem in the late 20th century. It is known for its stunning blue and violet shades.

The tanzanite stone is unique not only because of its beauty but also because being originated from only a small region in Tanzania. The blog will talk about the history and discovery of tanzanite; a gemstone found only in one place on Earth. Here we go.

Discovery of Tanzanite Gemstone

The discovery of tanzanite has a history from the year 1967 in Merelani Hills, Tanzania. These happened when local Maasai herders were grazing for their cattle and noticed striking blue crystals.

These stones of different shades of blue caught one of the herders' eyes: Ali Juuyawatu. He noticed the value of these stones and brought them to the notice of Manuel D'Souza, a tailor and part-time prospector who hunted rubies in the region.

The bright color led D'Souza to first think that he found sapphires. After getting it checked by geologists and mineralogists, he concluded that these stones were a variety of zoisite, later known as tanzanite.

Read also: Which Gemstones Are Perfect for Halloween?.

The name "tanzanite" was given to the crystal by Tiffany & Co. in 1968. as the brand intended to market the new gem successfully but wanted to ensure that it was strictly of Tanzanian origin.

Role of Tiffany & Co. in the Discovery of Tanzanite Gems

Tiffany & Co. was the first to launch tanzanite into the global market. Given that it was going to compete directly with other precious stones such as the Opal Stone. They branded it as "the most beautiful blue stone discovered in 2,000 years", which meant more popularity.

The marketing strategy worked; tanzanite was soon in demand. In 1999, it had become "the gemstone of the 20th century" and became one of the most valuable selling colored gemstones.

Mining and Production of Tanzanite Gems

The initial buzz from tanzanite resulted in a rush for mining interests in Merelani Hills. By 1971, it was estimated that two million carats had already been mined before the government of Tanzania took over the mines.

The government of Tanzania divided the mining area into four blocks to gain control over the production. The currently operating block C is Tanzania One Mining Ltd., with the largest reserves of tanzanite gems.

Tanzanite is very famous and still an extremely rare gem. According to geologists, the accessible tanzanite deposits may suffice for only 30 years if continued at the existing production. This rareness makes it even more precious and desirous.

The Geological Creation of Tanzanite

Formed some 585 million years ago, tanzanite is a geological wonder. It was formed deep within the Earth's crust under extreme heat and pressure. Added vanadium to that process helped bring out its striking blue-violet color which is a combination that hardly occurs.

So unique are the conditions for tanzanite's formation that it is believed that one in a million would have a chance to find it elsewhere on Earth.

Cultural Significance and Birthstone Status of Tanzanite Gemstones

Tanzanite was added to the list of birthstones in 2002, in recognition of the beauty and rarity of the stone as a birthstone with Moonstone and Turquoise Stone for December-born people.

Tanzanite is a stone with positive energy and transformation, which is a great reason to be chosen as jewelry depicting new beginnings or special life events. It has an extraordinary color that brings anybody calmness and clarity if they are wearing it.

Read also: Dive into December: Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon Birthstones.

Conclusion

The history and discovery of tanzanite are even more interesting than the gemstone itself. From its accidental discovery by Maasai herders to its being a symbol of beauty and rarity.

Be one to whom this beauty in color is fascinating, or you find a story that makes the heart rejoice. As we celebrate this precious gem, we are reminded why sustainability in mining is so important. Its legacy must be protected not just for now but also for the next generations.

This is all about the history and discovery of tanzanite; a gemstone found only in one place on Earth.