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Summary:Original tanzanite is a very rare kind of tone, occurring only in
a small place in Tanzania, known as Merelani Hill, Arusha. It is actually a
variety of Zoisite, which is the member of Epidote group, a silicate of calcium
and aluminium.
In the middle of 1967, a Portuguese fortune hunter named Manuel d'souza was
traveling along the eastern part of Africa in search of rare quality ruby and
sapphire. Flanked by Maasai tribesmen, he came near a pace just below the Mount
Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, where he happened to stumble upon a heap of gleaming
blue rocks, which, at first was mistaken by him as sapphire. Little at that
point of time, could he imagine, that one day this newly discovered stone would
take the world by storm. Soon, this unassuming stone was christened as
tanzanite after its pace of origin and gained immense popularity among the
gem-lovers across the globe, especially in America, Europe and Japan.
The fact that, original tanzanite is a very rare kind of tone, occurring only in
a small place in Tanzania, known as Merelani Hill, Arusha, added to its demand
and high value. In the absence of sophisticated mining techniques and
inadequate financing, production never attains the level where supply ever
complements the demand satisfactorily. As a result, the price of tanzanite
always remained very high in the international market and never settled to
equilibrium till date. Today tanzanite in the 1 to 3 Carat size range and in
moderate colour quality along with visible inclusions is available for $400 per
Carat. Top quality tanzanites command a price over $1000 per Carat. So far as
chemical composition of tanzanite is concerned, it is actually a variety of
Zoisite, which is the member of Epidote group, a silicate of calcium and
aluminium. Straight from the ground, in its primary form, it displays a brown
shade, mixed with a light orange tinge.
Tanzanite is always given a heat treatment approximately at 700 degree Celsius
temperature, which enhances its colour. A moderate heat treatment brings out
the colours ranging from light bluish-violet to an intense bluish-violet. The
most important price determining factor in tanzanite is its unique colour
combination. Borrowing the royal ness of rich blue sapphire and stealing luster
from purple amethyst, tanzanite creates such a magic with colour, that earns it
a rare place of distinction in the world of gemstones. The mot prized colour in
tanzanite is a rich violet-blue. A pure blue tanzanite is very rare, as
tanzanites are always mixed with a purple overtone. So naturally blue
tanzanites are more desirable and sold at a higher price.
Currently it has been noticed that presence of blue or purple colour components
in tanzanites no longer dictates the difference in their pricing. However, with
the aid of skillful cutting, its blue or violet colour components can be
emphasized. However, tanzanite is highly tri-chroic, it changes its colour
under different amount of light. It displays a lighter shade, mostly lavender,
in smaller sizes. The larger the gem, more saturate its colour. Recently, a
green variety of zoisite has been discovered, which goes by the name, green
tanzanite. When tanzanite was first discovered, people got confused because of
its colour. It closely resembled sapphire. But laboratory tests revealed that
the stone was far too soft to rival corundum family, to which belong the
sapphires. On Mohs scale of hardness, tanzanite measures 6 to 7. It has a
perfect cleavage, but the fracture is uneven and brittle. It also reacts poorly
to heat and pressure. Tanzanite stones however have a very clarity usually with
very few inclusions.
In October 2002, the American Gem Trade Associations agreed to endorse
tanzanite in the family of birth stones. It has been conferred the honour of
being treated as the additional birth stone for the month of December.
According to the contemporary jewelers' Anniversary Gemstone List, tanzanite is
the anniversary gemstone for 24th year of the marriage. Like other blue gems
tanzanite brings a cooling effect over one's body and mind. When life becomes
chaotic under tremendous pressure tanzanite is believed to bring the composure
of self. Enhancing personal inside and vision, it reaffirms one's individual
will. Gold brings with it the energy of sun and the stone represents the power
of moon. So if tanzanite is worn, teamed with gold. Beautifully blends in it
the energies of the sun and the moon. Although tanzanite lacks in luster, it is
the unusual colour of this tone that stole the hearts of millions all over the
world. Whether worn as a ring or a necklace, as an earring or a bracelet, it
has the potential of becoming the ultimate eye catcher. Although wearing
tanzanite jewelleries require special care and protection, it always speaks of
one's refined taste and high sense of aesthetics.
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