When was tanzanite discovered

The mines which are the only producers of gem quality tanzanite in the World are nearby to Arusha the gateway to the game parks of the Serengeti Plains. Located in the Merilani hills on the Western slope of the Lelatema Mountains the mines are approximately 2 kilometers wide and 4 kilometers long. Mount Kilomanjaro,the highest mountain in Africa is visible about 60 kilometers to the south west.

The mines are 16 kilometers due south of Kilomanjaro Airport. The story goes that lightning struck causing the grassland to start on fire which turned the brown zoisite crystals on the surface to blue where the Maasai tribesmen found the gem now known as tanzanite.

Credit is given to a local Indian tailor named Manuel de Sousa for discovery of tanzanite but it was actually the unknown tribesmen who made the initial discovery but to them it had no value.

Manuel was shown the location of the crystals by the maasai herders and he staked the first mining claim in Although Manuel de Sousa often gets credit for the discovery of tanzanite in , in the U. Today, a tanzanite is one of the most popular choices for a jewellery creation and remains a remarkable investment.

Each Tanzanite International item contains the best gem-quality tanzanite for you to carry on from one generation to the next. About Us. A Masai story of Tanzanite has a long and turbulent history. The Queen of Tanzanite, is an exclusive range of exceptional quality loose tanzanite stones and unique tanzanite jewellery.

Read more. Tanzanite can only be found in certain areas of the world. Tanzanite is known for its mesmerising blue colour and its ability to brighten up any outfit, day or night. Tens of millions of people across Africa depend on revenues from the activity, despite its dangers. Last year Tanzania set up trading centres around the country to allow artisanal miners to sell their gems and gold to the government, a step encouraged by campaigners seeking to improve conditions in the industry.

This article is more than 1 year old. Businessman Saniniu Laizer says he plans school and shops for local community. Saniniu Laizer with the tanzanite gemstones, which have a combined weight of about 15kg. Photograph: Tanzanian government. Topics Tanzania Africa Mining news. Reuse this content.