Tanzanite: A Collector’s Gemstone

Tanzanite: A Collector's Gemstone

Tanzanite is a relatively rare gemstone that is only found in one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. This beautiful mineral is prized by collectors for its unique color, which can range from deep blue to violet to pink. Tanzanite is also known for its strong pleochroism, which means that it can appear to change color when viewed from different angles.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at tanzanite, including its history, properties, and value. We will also provide some tips for collecting tanzanite.

History of Tanzanite

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 by a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu. Juuyawatu was herding cattle in the Merelani Hills when he came across a strange blue rock. He took the rock to a local geologist, who identified it as a new mineral. The mineral was named tanzanite after the country of Tanzania.

Tanzanite quickly became a popular gemstone, and it was soon being used in jewelry around the world. The demand for tanzanite has continued to grow in recent years, and it is now considered to be one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Properties of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a member of the zoisite mineral group. It is a relatively hard mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5. Tanzanite is also a very dense mineral, with a specific gravity of 3.35.

The most distinctive property of tanzanite is its color. Tanzanite can range in color from deep blue to violet to pink. The color of tanzanite is caused by the presence of vanadium and chromium impurities.

Tanzanite is also known for its strong pleochroism. This means that it can appear to change color when viewed from different angles. The pleochroism of tanzanite is caused by the way that the mineral absorbs light.

Value of Tanzanite

The value of tanzanite is determined by a number of factors, including the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The most valuable tanzanites are those that are deep blue in color, have excellent clarity, and are well-cut. The carat weight of a tanzanite also plays a role in its value, with larger tanzanites being more valuable than smaller tanzanites.

Tanzanite is a relatively expensive gemstone, but it is still affordable for many people. The price of a tanzanite can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Collecting Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a great gemstone for collectors. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that is sure to appreciate in value over time. If you are interested in collecting tanzanite, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Do your research. Before you start collecting tanzanite, it is important to do your research and learn about the different factors that affect the value of the gemstone. This will help you to make informed decisions when purchasing tanzanite.
• Set a budget. Tanzanite can be a relatively expensive gemstone, so it is important to set a budget before you start collecting. This will help you to avoid overspending.
• Buy from a reputable dealer. When purchasing tanzanite, it is important to buy from a reputable dealer. This will help you to ensure that you are getting a genuine tanzanite and that you are paying a fair price.
• Get your tanzanite appraised. Once you have purchased a tanzanite, it is a good idea to get it appraised. This will help you to determine the value of your tanzanite and will also help you to protect your investment.

Tanzanite is a beautiful and valuable gemstone that is sure to make a great addition to any collection.