How to choose and buy tanzanite
Tanzanite A Unique African Gemstone
By Oltau Safaris & Tours
Tanzanite is one of the world’s rarest and most beautiful gemstones, found only in Tanzania at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. With its striking blue-violet color and remarkable rarity, tanzanite has captured the attention of jewelers and travelers worldwide.
How Was Tanzanite Discovered?
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills near Arusha. According to official records, a local Tanzanian, Jumanne Mhero Ngoma, found the first crystal and was later recognized by the government.
Another widely known story credits Manuel de Souza, a gemstone prospector, who identified the stone while exploring the area. Initially mistaken for sapphire, the gem was later confirmed to be a rare blue variety of zoisite.
The name “tanzanite” was introduced by Tiffany & Co., which played a major role in promoting the gemstone globally.
Why Is Tanzanite So Special?
1. Exceptional Beauty
Tanzanite is famous for its deep blue and violet hues. It also shows a unique effect called Pleochroism, meaning the color changes depending on the viewing angle and lighting.
2. Extreme Rarity
Unlike other gemstones, tanzanite is found in only one place on Earth—northern Tanzania. This makes it even rarer than diamonds.
3. A Growing Investment
Because the deposits are limited and gradually depleting, tanzanite is becoming increasingly valuable over time.
How Is Tanzanite Mined?
Tanzanite is mined exclusively in the Merelani mining area in the Arusha Region. The mining site is divided into four zones (A, B, C, and D), with both local miners and international companies involved.
Today, miners dig deep underground—sometimes up to 400 meters—to extract the stones. After extraction, the gems are carefully sorted, cut, and treated to enhance their natural color.
How to Choose a High-Quality Tanzanite
When selecting tanzanite, experts evaluate four key factors:
- Color: The most valuable stones have a deep blue or violet-blue tone
- Clarity: High-quality stones are “eye-clean” with minimal inclusions
- Cut: A well-cut stone reflects light beautifully
- Carat Weight: Larger stones are rarer and more valuable
A famous example is the discovery by Saniniu Laizer in 2020, who found two of the largest tanzanite stones ever recorded.
Tanzanite Jewelry – Cheap or Expensive?
Tanzanite offers a wide price range, making it accessible yet luxurious:
- Simple jewelry pieces can start from around $150–$300
- High-end designs with diamonds can reach thousands of dollars
Despite being more affordable than some gemstones, tanzanite remains a premium and highly desired stone due to its rarity and beauty.
It is also recognized as a birthstone for December and is often gifted for special occasions such as anniversaries.
Discover Tanzanite in Tanzania
Visitors to Tanzania can explore the famous Tanzanite Experience Museum, where you can learn about the history, mining process, and craftsmanship behind this incredible gemstone.
Experience Tanzania with Oltau Safaris & Tours ?
At Oltau Safaris & Tours, we go beyond wildlife safaris to help you discover Tanzania’s hidden treasures—including the story of tanzanite.
Whether you are visiting Arusha, exploring the slopes of Kilimanjaro, or shopping for authentic gemstones, we ensure your journey is smooth, enriching, and unforgettable.
Karibu Tanzania – where nature, culture, and rare beauty meet.