First discovered in Tanzania (hence its name) in 1967, Tanzanite was chosen as the December birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002. Its discovery marked a momentous occasion in the world of gemstones and the gem trade because it was the first new transparent blue gem to be found in centuries. This stone, prized for its brilliant, alluring blue, is one of the rarest in the world, even rarer than diamond, but is extremely undervalued. Let us look at some more such interesting facts about Tanzanite.

1. A one in a million 

Tanzanite is found only in the Mererani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha and Mount Kilimanjaro. Geological research of the stone and its formation process has indicated that given the uniqueness of the conditions, the chances of finding Tanzanite in any other place of the world is less than a million to one.

2. New beginnings

Unlike gemstones like diamond and ruby, which have been mined for hundreds of years, tanzanite is a relatively new discovery. The Maasai people have always associated the color blue with healing and new life, because of which it is now regarded as a stone that marks the celebration of new life and new beginnings.

3. Stuff of legends

There are several myths and legends among the Tanzanian natives about the origin of Tanzanite. One of the most popular legends says that the stone was a result of an act of God. He used lightning to burn the Merenani Hills. The rocks deep inside the earth turned blue when the earth started to cool down after the fire.

4. Heirloom piece

Scientists have predicted that amount of Tanzanite on the market will deplete at a high rate because it is found in only one place in the world. Due to its rarity and limited supply, the stone has started to be recognized as a precious heirloom. In fact, jewelry pieces with Tanzanite featured in them are seeing their value appreciate with time.

Shop at Gemjunky for Tanzanite jewelry for your loved ones!