Tanzanite is a stunningly blue variety of the mineral zoisite. And its name speaks of its rarity; it is only found in Tanzania. Wait…not just in Tanzania but in a teeny area near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Diamonds are the star of the show, no doubt. The scene stealer and the debutante of the ball. But when it comes to rarity, there are several other gems that mean (and cost) much more.
Take tanzanite for instance:
Discovered in commercial quantities in the 1960’s, its popularity has grown vastly (due to the efforts of Tiffany & Co.).
Most tanzanite found on the market have been heat-treated which increases its blue lustre. But any tanzanite that has a strong blue color without heat treatment is worth a tremendous amount.
And this prestigious gem will only increase in value. Why? Because once the mines in Tanzania have been emptied, there will be no more in existence, unless a new source is found.