In 1967, in Merelani Tanga Province, Tanzania at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, violet-blue, transparent crystals
of zoisite were discovered. The only variety of that mineral prior to that year was a massive pink material known asthulite.
The violet-blue material, as we know it today, is called tanzanite. The natural color of the crystals are found in various
colors, including brown, pink, yellow, blue and green. Many of these crystalsl, when heated at about 700 degrees F change
in color to a consistent violet-blue color. Tanzanite jewelry has often been mistaken for that made with fine sapphires. Tanzanite
is somewhat soft when compared with other
gems, so when cut and mounted in silver rings and
silver bracelets, it should be worn with some care.
Initially, Tiffany & Company had exclusive marketing
rights to the gem and they were responsible for giving it the trade name of tanzanite. The first tanazanite jewelry was only
marketed by Tiffany and with increased publicity, the value of the gem increased steadily as the demand became greater. During
the late 1970's the value of the gem had risen to price levels of several thousand dollars per carat. In the 1980's
its value began to decline until finally during the late 1980's it hit its low point when additional reserves were discovered
near the original mining site. Tanzanite jewelry instantly became more affordable. The stone had always been considered on
the borderline between a commercial stone and a true collector gem and after the discovery of the additional reserve supplies,
it would become considered as more of a mainstream jewelry item. Although now considered more mainstream, it still maintains
a mass appeal for its beautiful, unique and distinctive coloration.
