How Did Tanzanite Stone Get Its Name? The name to this stone was given because the world’s only known tanzanite deposit of commercial importance is in northern Tanzania. The name reflects the gem’s limited geographic origin. Mines are all in an area of about eight square miles in the Merelani Hills, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Although nearly all the world’s most popular gemstones have been known and used for hundreds of years, tanzanite was not discovered in commercial quantities until the 1960’s. In the short time since then, it has become the second most popular blue gem after sapphire. It is one of a very small number of gems of any color that got discovered and brought to strong consumer popularity within the past century.
Tanzanite is a trade name that was first used by Tiffany and Company for gem-quality specimens of the mineral zoisite with a blue color. Tiffany could have sold the material under the mineralogical name of “blue zoisite,” but they thought the name “tanzanite” would stimulate customer interest and be easier to market.
This rapid rise to popularity, accomplished mainly by Tiffany’s promotion and tanzanite’s beautiful blue color. Because of its growing popularity, Tanzanite got designated as a modern birthstone for the month of December in 2002. Above all we know now how did Tanzanite stone got its name.
How much is tanzanite worth today? For richly colored AAA Tanzanite, 1ct is about worth $300-$425 per carat. 2ct sizes reach $450-$650 per carat. 3 carats and up will reach $650-$750 per carat. The changes taking place in Tanzania makes tanzanite a very good investment stone.
Is Tanzanite rarer than diamonds? Described as ‘a geological phenomenon’, tanzanite is 1,000 times more rare than diamonds. Tanzanite jewellery is extremely valuable and coveted, both for the gem’s rarity, and its beauty.
What color of tanzanite is most expensive? Tanzanite gems with a strong-to-vivid blue, purplish blue and violets blue color are the most valuable. These colors are the most appealing to people shopping for tanzanite.
Content for this question contributed by Annmarie Colucci, resident of Roselle, Union County, New Jersey, USA
