Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this mineral exhibits stunning hues of violet, sapphire blue, and burgundy. Called “the gemstone of the 20th century,” tanzanite was only discovered with the last half century, and was vigorously mined for only a few years before the mines were nationalized by the Tanzanian government.
Because it only comes from one source, tanzanite is exceedingly rare and large pieces pass through the hands of some of the world’s most renowned collectors. It was originally called blue zoisite, but this Tanzanian name was uncannily similar to the English word “suicide.”
It’s exclusivity and brilliant colors make tanzanite one of the most sought after gemstones in the world. For consumers, only modestly sized pieces are typically available. Through precise heating and cutting, impurities can be removed and the stone’s unique blend of stunning colors intensified.