Gemstones Auctions

Tanzanite is a gem noted for its trichroism (tri meaning three, obviously). Depending on the orientation of the crystals, a single stone can appear sapphire blue, violet, and burgundy, depending on how it is held up to the light. However, this blue color does not come naturally. In its rough state, tanzanite is usually a reddish brown color, .and must be heat treated to bring out the blueness.

Tanzanite — the blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite — was discovered in 1967 in the Meralani Hills, near the city of Arusha, in northern Tanzania. Tanzania was mined successfully by entrepreneurs for some time, until the mines were nationalized by the Tanzanian government in 1972.

In June 2003, the Tanzanian government introduced legislation banning the export of unprocessed tanzanite to India (like many gemstones, most tanzanite is cut in the city of Jaipur). The ban was explained as an attempt to spur development of local processing facilities, thereby boosting the economy of the country.

Tanzania also produces tsavorite, diamond and ruby.

The story of Tanzania is an interesting one. The country came into existence in 1964, when the countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar united. (Zanzibar is an island off the mainland coast).