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Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzanite

On this page you will find the most commonly asked questions about Tanzanite from our investors. Here you will find information on Tanzanite Grading, Tanzanite Certification, Tanzanite History, Tanzanite Price, and Tanzanite as an Investment.

If you do not find an answer to your questions here, please contact us with your Tanzanite questions.

• What is Tanzanite?
• Where does Tanzanite come from?
• How rare is Tanzanite?
• What is the origin of Tanzanite?
• What is the composition/hardness of Tanzanite?
• How popular is Tanzanite?
• What is the annual turnover of Tanzanite globally?
• How much does Tanzanite cost?
• How do I know that my Tanzanite is genuine?
• How is Tanzanite graded?
• Is Tanzanite treated?
• Is all your Tanzanite graded?
• Is it a fact that Tanzanite is becoming rarer?
• How do I care for my Tanzanite?
• Is it likely that Tanzanite will ever be discovered in any other part of the world?
• Does Tanzanite have any special meaning or properties?
• Is Tanzanite a good investment?

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is the crystalline form of the mineral zoisite and is an exquisite violet-blue gemstone. It is very rare. The zoisite crystals form in the presence of vanadium, which is a soft, grayish-silvery metal. Its crystal structure is orthorhombic and it is Trichroic, radiating three different colors from three different crystal axes.

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Where Does Tanzanite Come From?

Tanzanite is found in only one place in the entire world, Tanzania, in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The area in which it is found covers only 4 square kilometers.

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How Rare Is Tanzanite?

Considering that Tanzanite can only be found in a 4 kilometer square area and that the top quality colours and sizes are becoming harder and harder to extract from the ground, it is very rare and becoming rarer. Tanzanite is in fact considered to be a thousand times rarer than diamonds.

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What Is The Origin Of Tanzanite?

Tanzanite was discovered in the mid 1960's in the Merelani Hills of East Africa by Massai tribesmen after a bush fire had heated the rough Tanzanite changing it to the stunning intense violitish, blue colour that we know.

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What Is The Composition/Hardness Of Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is a hydrous Calcium-Aluminum Silicate with a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale.

This means that Tanzanite's hardness is similar to emerald but a bit less brittle and should be cared for. It is not as hard as diamond which rates as 10 or sapphire which rates as 9 on the Mohs scale but harder than steel which rates about 4-5. Therefore Tanzanite should not be worn during activities that may cause impact. Ideally it is set as a necklace, dress ring, earrings or occasionally a bracelet.

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How Popular Is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is the most exciting gemological find of the 20th century and has enjoyed immense popularity, especially in the States, where approximately 70% of tanzanite is sold. During 1997 and 1999, tanzanite was second only to sapphire in US sales of coloured gemstones.

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What Is The Annual Turnover Of Tanzanite Globally?

It is estimated that globally the wholesale market for polished tanzanite is US$200 - 300 million per annum.

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How Much Does Tanzanite Cost?

The price of tanzanite in the past has varied considerably due to unstable supply. However, at the moment consumers can expect to pay between US$700 and US$2000/carat for legitimate, certified, top grade “Triple Aâ€Â Intense Violetish Blue Tanzanite, depending on colour, cut, carat and clarity.

Tanzanite is approximately a third of the price of Sapphire

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How Do I Know That My Tanzanite Is Genuine?

Whenever you are buying Tanzanite you should make sure that it has been graded by an Independent Gemological Laboratory (not a laboratory controlled by the vendor) and comes with a certificate.

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How Is Tanzanite Graded?

Tanzanite like all other semi precious and precious gemstones is graded in independent gemological grading laboratories. The top grade of Tanzanite is "Intense Violetish Blue" or "Triple A".

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Is Tanzanite Treated?

All Tanzanite is heated to 500 degrees centigrade. This transforms it from its original dull brown colour to the beautiful and sort after Intense Violetish Blue. Totally accepted in the trade as it is irreversible.

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Is All Your Tanzanite Graded?

Yes. We only deal with Tanzanite that has been graded by an Independent Gemological Laboratory. The laboratory that our members use is the HKD Diamond Laboratories in Canada.

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Is It A Fact That Tanzanite Is Becoming Rarer?

Yes. Tanzanite is already one thousand times rarer than diamonds and given that it is only 6.5 on the Mohs scale, many pieces are accidentally destroyed. The fact that it is formed by a unique geological phenomenon, that has less than a million to one chance of being repeated, means that according to geological tests, the world’s supply of Tanzanite will be totally exhausted within 10 to 15 years.

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How Do I Care For My Tanzanite?

Given the not so hard nature of Tanzanite, it is recommended that a soft cloth and warm soapy water is used to clean it in a gentle and controlled manner.

Under no circumstances should an ultra-sonic cleaner be used.

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Is It Likely That Tanzanite Will Ever Be Discovered In Any Other Part Of The World?

It is not Likely. Intense geological research has found that there is only one source of tanzanite and it's geology is totally unique. It is a "geological phenomenon" with the chances of another occurrence, outside of the current production area and its immediate vicinity, being less than a million to one.

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Does Tanzanite Have Any Special Meaning Or Properties?

Tanzanite is the first Gemstone to have been added by the American Gem Trade Association to the list of Birthstones since 1912 and is now an official Birthstone for December.

The Massai Tribesmen give it to all their newborn children as a bearer of good fortune.

It is also said to have many mystical and healing powers. It uplifts and opens the heart. It is a gemstone that shows us a graceful, gracious way to live.

It is said that people who wear it feel spiritual power pulling them up. It also encourages the wearer to help others because it helps them realize that their own individual truth is connected to eternal truths and the two would sustain each other. They are well grounded in truth, nature, and spirituality.

Also it activates the throat chakra for clear communication of one's highest truth and can also be used to enhance psychic abilities.

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Is Tanzanite A Good Investment?

Tanzanite, given it's desirability and rareness, coupled with it's dwindling supply makes it one of the surest investments of our time.

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