Tanzanite – A Quick Guide
At Howells Jewellers we are extremely pleased to be able to stock some very fine pieces of tanzanite jewellery. Here are some tanzanite facts!
Q. What is tanzanite?
A. Tanzanite can be classed as a fairly “new” gemstone, discovered in 1967. It can only be found in Tanzania, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. There was a gold prospector called Manuel de Souza who found some transparent purple crystals on a ridge near the mountain. The Gemological Institute of America confirmed he had found a previously unknown variety of the mineral zoisite.
Q. Is it a sustainable gemstone?
A. The Tanzanian government regulates its mining and selling very strictly which means the industry has remained sustainable and ethical. The local communities benefit from its production and sale, which in turns helps boost the economy of the Country.
Q. What are tanzanites overall qualities?
A. According to the Tanzanian Maasai tribe’s lore, tanzanite is a spiritual stone inspiring compassion and calmness. It is a beautiful gem that glimmers in icy blue hues.
Q. How hard is tanzanite?
A. Tanzanite is as hard as opal, rated 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but quite brittle due to its crystal lattice.
Q. Does tanzanite signify a birthstone or anniversary?
A. Tanzanite is the birthstone for December and makes a wonderful birthday gift for those born in mid-winter. Tanzanite is also the gemstone gifted on 24th wedding anniversaries.
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