Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the absolute most rare and among the most expensive gemstones, discovered in 1972 by Maasai tribesmen at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and exclusively mined only in that one location.  It is a controlled resource, and only fake or simulated tanzanite is available in the general market. The Tanzanite Foundation has made an effort to direct some funds to benefit Tanzania's people.

Still, given the restricted distribution of this material, one would think it would have greatly enhanced the economic status of the Maasai people who discovered the source. Regrettably that is not the case, reflecting the way the world works when it comes to who benefits the most from natural resources.


Tanzanite is also known as zoisite, and there are apparently cheap chips and nuggets of it available on the market, which can be assumed to be waste material from the cutting of the pure gems. Nothing wrong with it, but something to bear in mind when purchasing inexpensive tanzanite jewelry or loose chips for crafting.

I've decided to feature simulated tanzanite in some of the designs sold at our non-profit etsy store, Jambo Creations, with the idea of using the gemstone's symbolic meaning to direct funds back into some of Tanzania's critical projects.

A genuine briolette of the size in my yellow beaded earrings in the photo above would typically start at around $1800.00-$4000.00 USD, and higher depending on quality. Needless to say, my fun earrings feature simulated tanzanite from Swarovsky.  I'll also be making some classic earrings with this simulated stone, so please keep an eye on Jambo Creations etsy store!

We visited the Tanzanite Foundation in Arusha, and were dazzled by the spectacular color-flash of this amazing and rare stone. The colors range from light periwinkle to lilac hues to rich royal blue.  If you're interested in authentic tanzanite (and have very deep pockets, visit http://tanzanitefoundation.org

Here's an article of interest for further reading on the subject:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1594137-1,00.html