What Is a Tanzanite Gem?
Tanzanite is a rare blue gemstone that is found in East Africa. ETanzanite.com describes it as the crystalline form of the mineral zoisite and explains that zoisite forms in the presence of vanadium, which is a malleable, grayish-silver metal. The International Colored Gem Association says the gems are usually found as small grains, making the discovery of large crystals a rare, celebratory occasion.
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History
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In 1967, Masai shepherds discovered tanzanite in the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania. According to the International Colored Gem Association, the shepherds noticed sparkling crystals lying in the sun and picked them up. Shortly afterward, the stones were sent Tiffany's, a renowned jeweler in New York City.
When the stones arrived, the were known as blue zoisite. Believing that a better name was in order, Tiffany's suggested tanzanite, after the gems' place of origin. This name stuck, and Tanzania is still the only place in the world where the gems are found.
Characteristics
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GemFix says tanzanite in its natural state is most often an unattractive brown color; if you saw it lying on the ground, you probably wouldn't bother to pick it up. The gemstone consists of calcium aluminium silicate and has a hardness value of approximately of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
Supply
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ETanzanite says the gemstones were created by a rare geological phenomenon. When this is combined with the fact that tanzanite is found in one location, estimates as of 2010 project that mining can continue at the current rate for another 15 to 20 years.
Jewelry
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Tanzanite's beautiful blue hues are usually the result of heat treatment. The impurities that make it appear brown in nature are removed by placing the gemstones into ovens that are at least 500 degrees. Finding a piece of naturally blue tanzanite is rare.
Although the gemstones can be cut into a variety of shapes, doing so can be a challenge because of cleavage that is pronounced in one direction. However, according to ETanzanite.com, the stone is durable enough to be worn in practically any form of jewelry.
Industry
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ETanzanite says that the United States buys about 80 percent of all tanzanite. India, Germany and Israel are also noted as having significant markets. An estimated 90 percent of all tanzanite merchants are members of the International Colored Gemstone Association.
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References
- Photo Credit variety of gems image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com
