The Tanzanite Experience – About, Knowledge, Buyers Guide and More
Everything You Need to Know About Tanzanite, From the Basics to the Best Ways to Shop for It
Understanding Tanzanite
“Who Are the Tanzanite Experience?”
The newly formed firm, The Tanzanite Experience Limited, is an energetic, creative, and professional company launched in the first half of 2015. The company is well on its way to a significant repositioning of the local gemstone industry thanks to the incredible dedication of its employees and the extensive support of all essential Tanzanite suppliers, both domestic and international.
The Tanzanite Experience Limited is run by people who are informed about the gemstone industry and the needs of their customers. The Tanzanite Experience has locations in Tarangire, Arusha, the Manyara Region, the Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti and is rapidly expanding its retail concept.
The “world’s only tanzanite showroom” can be found in Blue Plaza’s main store in Arusha. Additionally, visitors can learn about the discovery of the fabled gemstone, see the mining process through a replica mine shaft, and understand how Tanzanite is valued using the 4 C’s system: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Gemstones and jewelry of all kinds are available at the Tanzanite Experience, all of which have been carved and cut by Tanzanian masters.
For those who prefer to shop for jewelry, the boutiques carry adornments from a local organization that provides women from Merelani in the mining region with the opportunity to start their own business. The Tanzanite Experience is a supporter and promoter of various organizations and causes.
The Tanzanite Experience has direct access to a testing laboratory in Tanzania. Geological experts in a controlled laboratory setting attest to the comprehensive certification of each gemstone offered for sale by this lab, which also provides a unique identification number and a certificate outlining the stone’s properties. These certifications are accepted all across the world.
We are an establishment dedicated to providing the most beautiful Tanzanite jewelry to all our clients, whether they are local buyers or buyers from all over the world.
The Tanzanite Experience Corporation is part of a select group of companies in Tanzania.
Knowledge of Tanzanite
What is this stunning blue gemstone subjected to get to you?
Tanzanite Myths, Facts, and Properties
The Tanzanite Grade Scale is a widely accepted way of describing the quality and color of tanzanite gemstones worldwide. Your Tanzanite’s worth and authenticity are protected in this way. According to the 4 Cs of diamonds, tanzanites are graded as well. The rarer and more expensive a Tanzanite is, the more of these properties it has. The process is always arduous for the buyer if a stone is sold at a regular jewelry store counter or on a jewelry website. A stone must be mined for several hours before being sold to a buyer.
The Blue Gemstone’s Evolution and Origins
A little area at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro is the only known source of this beautiful gemstone. Tanzania, a country rich in history and legend, has a story about a lightning bolt that struck the ground and turned all the rocks in the area into Tanzanites. The Tanzanite Experience Limited is there to help you avoid buying counterfeit Tanzanites.
Tanzanite Story
The truth about Tanzanite’s origins is just as intriguing as the myth.
Over 585 million years ago, a Pan-African event happened in just 14 square kilometers. The movement of continents shaped the Great Rift Valley and Kilimanjaro. Tanzanite was created when intense heat and pressure were applied to deep-seated minerals.
Tanzanite is known as the “single generation” gemstone because of its extreme rarity (it is one thousand times more uncommon than diamonds). A million-to-one chance exists, according to researchers, that they will locate a new source someplace on earth.
The trichroic character of Tanzanite is another notable property of this gemstone. As a result, it emits three unique colors from three different axes when it is in its normal state. The crude stone has violet, blue, and burgundy colors, but small heating removes the burgundy and leaves us with an intense blue-violet tint.
People long thought the stone was a sapphire until its composition was discovered to be a sort of blue Zoisite. To promote Tanzanite as “the” new must-have, the world’s most famous jeweler, Tiffany & Co., dubbed the stone Tanzanite in 1968.
This blue stone has been the most magnificent in the last two thousand years.
Tanzanite was ranked as the second most favored colored gemstone for jewelry in the United States in 2001 due to its growing popularity among jewelers and shoppers.
Tanzanite joined turquoise and zircon on the official birthstone list for December 2002 due to its growing popularity and high quality. This was a significant accomplishment, given that the list had not been altered since 1912!
As a symbol of new beginnings, blue robes and beads are presented to a Maasai mother giving birth to her first child. It is reported that the Maasai gave the blue stone as a birth gift in the location where Tanzanite is found. Due to the widespread popularity of this custom, infants all over the world now get Tanzanite as a gift.
The Tanzanite Experience: Mining Procedures
A Tour of Merani’s Interior
Tanzanite is only commercially mined in a tiny area of northern Tanzania’s Mererani (or Merelani) Hills, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Before the advent of pits and tunnels, Tanzanite was mined by scavengers close to the subsurface, but this method has now been replaced by more labor-intensive methods like deep pit mining.
The Mining Procedures
Because it has its mine, the Tanzanite Experience Arusha among other Tanzanite Experience locations strictly follows a set of mining ethics and best practices. As a result, the Tanzanite’s most delicate features are preserved.
Between 1967 and 1971, when the Tanzanian government seized the mines in Tanzania, almost 2 million carats of Tanzanite were extracted.
In 1990, the Tanzanian government created the A, B, C, and D Blocks to delineate the mines. Small miners received Blocks B and D, whereas large mining companies received Blocks A and C.
The majority of Tanzanite is cut in Jaipur, India, where many other gemstones are also cut; as of June 2003, the Tanzanian government restricted the shipment of raw Tanzanite from Tanzania. This ban was implemented to encourage the development of local skills to boost the economy.
The Tanzanian government also outlawed raw stones weighing more than one gram in 2010 to be exported.
The Precision of Polishing and Cutting
Tanzanite must be cut by a master jeweler who takes over many years to be certified as having an “excellent cutter,” meaning that the stone exhibits maximum radiance. The cutting procedure is critical in presenting the gemstone’s proper hues because the gem might appear either blue or violet depending on the angle from which it is seen. The cutting direction determines the stone’s hue qualities.
The Cutting Procedure
This process is the real Tanzanite experience, only 25% of the mineral can be processed into valuable products. Because of this, the cutter is under a lot of pressure to choose the best form, whether a simple cabochon or a more complex princess cut or trilliant.
A very symmetrical method for cutting and polishing the facets is used to cover the entire surface of the stone once the stones have been set on “dop sticks.”.
The stone’s position can be precisely controlled by inserting the dop stick into a handpiece. Water is used to grind and polish each facet to cool the spinning lap holding ground diamond.
One side of the stone is finished, and a new dop stick is used to repeat the process on the other side.
Tanzanite Grading
Classification System for Tanzanites
Laboratory testing is required to assess the grade of the stone after it has been cut and polished. A Tanzanite laboratory is also located at the Tanzanite Experience Museum, where experts examine all gemstones before selling.
Grading of Tanzanite
To ensure that only the best Tanzanites are provided to the general audience, the qualities of Tanzanites are analyzed.
The grading system for Tanzanite is based on the 4Cs, just like diamonds. Individual gemstones are examined for their cut, color, carat, clarity, and weight on a certificate attached to the stone. Better quality Tanzanite is worth more if its 4C combination is more outstanding.
Read our Buyer’s Guide for additional information.
The Tanzanite Experience: Frequently Made Inquiries
How Tough are Gemstones Made of Tanzanite?
Moh’s hardness scale indicates that Tanzanites are 6.5 to 7. Like Emeralds, it’s a slightly soft gemstone that needs to be handled carefully. The hardest is diamond, rated a 10 on the scale.
Why are Tanzanites Considered “One-Generation Gemstone”?
It is anticipated that there are only 15 to 20 years of Tanzanite on the earth at the current mining rate due to the single source and restricted supply. As a result, Tanzanite mining will end well beyond our lifetimes, making those who purchase now the last generation to do so.
What’s the Difference in Price Between a Blue and a Violet Tanzanite?
Both blue and violet hues can be seen when the tanzanite stone is turned, depending on which axis the face of the stone is cut on. Because they are both made of the same stone, their value is not different. It’s up to individual preference.
Is Tanzanite a Natural Gemstone or Heat-Treated?
A few stones close to the surface during the early stages of discovery are the only ones that have not been gently heated, so far as we know. As a result of being naturally heated, most likely by the activity of volcanic or bushfires, these gem-quality blue stones did not require any heat treatment. Moderate heating is a continuation of the process that Mother Nature started all by herself.
What Makes a Tanzanite Dubbed as Fancy?
The vanadium in Tanzanite gives it its distinctive red hue. Tanzanite is a variety of minerals Zoisite. After cutting and polishing transforms into a stunning kaleidoscope of royal blue, violet, and indigo; adding minerals like chrome, manganese, or iron to Zoisite crystals can alter the color and content of the gems. These caused them to be dubbed “Fancy Stones.”
Colorful Fancy Stones are available in a variety of shades. One of the most sought-after and rare gemstones is the pink variety, which is only sporadically found in limited quantity.
What is the Origin of the Name “Tanzanite”?
As soon as Tiffany & Co., the world-renowned New York jewelers, learned of the discovery in Tanzania, they immediately began marketing the stunning new diamond to the public. Tanzanite, named after the country of origin, was proclaimed a gorgeous blue gemstone unearthed in more than 2,000 years. They bragged that Tanzanites could only be found at Tiffany’s and at Tanzanite Experience limited stores in Tanzania.
Which Color of Tanzanite Should a Buyer Go For?
The hue of your Tanzanite is entirely up to you. All tanzanite colors, from cornflower and lilac to violet, and indigo, continue to awe jewelry buyers looking for a piece of jewelry that is truly one of a kind.
What Should I Do to Keep My Tanzanite Product in Good Condition?
Like all valuable gems, Tanzanite should be handled carefully to preserve its beauty and value. Tanzanite Buying Guide has additional details. Abrasive cleaning products and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided. Clean Tanzanite with warm, barely soapy water and a tiny soft brush.
Clean the Tanzanite’s surfaces carefully, then dry them with a clean, soft cloth. When tanzanite jewelry is stored, it should be kept in a separate pouch or box from other jewelry pieces. Removing the Tanzanite from its mounting before repairing or changing jewelry is crucial.
When Will Tanzanite Supply Run Out in the Future?
The only known collection of Tanzanite is expected to be depleted within a generation. Those who buy Tanzanite now will be the last to own it in the history of the gemstone. Take a look at our most current Tanzanite collection if you’d want to start investing in the gem.
How Valuable is Tanzanite? Is It Precious?
A precious gemstone must have three qualities: aesthetic appeal, a limited supply, and long-term usefulness, all possessed by the Tanzanite. So it’s Absolutely! Precious. It is a thousand times rarer than a diamond. As a result, Tanzanite is precious in every way.
Why is Tanzanite So Sought After by Jewelry Collectors?
Dark royal blue with flashes of red is the most common tanzanite color, but it also appears in cornflower, indigo, and periwinkle. The Cornflower blue and lilac hues are two of the most popular and least priced color options. For more Tanzanite options look into the Tanzanite Experience limited stores.
What is the Durability of Tanzanite?
The hardness of Tanzanite is comparable to that of an emerald, although it is less susceptible to scratching and breakage. Simple precautions, such as not wearing Tanzanite while participating in activities that produce significant wear and tear, are required to preserve its radiance. Regarding ceremonial jewelry, Tanzanite is an excellent choice because of its versatility.
What is the Process From the Mine to the End User?
The unpolished Tanzanite stone is mined using underground methods.
There are eclectic small, medium, and extensive artisanal mining operations in the Merelani district. Tanzanite mining and delivery mechanisms have evolved. Once the crystals have been removed from the earth, they are carried to local brokers in the neighboring city of Arusha, where they are traded and exported chiefly for cutting and distribution purposes.
To learn more about how Tanzanite is mined, check out this post. There is a wide range in pricing for Tanzanite based on the region’s regulations. Rough Tanzanite crystals weighing more than one gram are now prohibited from export under proposed Tanzanian legislation. Tanzanians will be able to play a more prominent role in the Tanzanite supply chain from mine to market as a result of this initiative.
Are There Other Places Where Tanzanites Can Be Discovered?
Finding Tanzanites elsewhere on the earth is extremely unlikely; the odds are said to be “less than one in a million” by geological researchers.
Knowing the Authenticity of My Tanzanite, How?
Please ensure you get Tanzanite from trusted dealers or have it tested in a lab. All tanzanite gemstones offered by The Tanzanite Experience come with a certificate from The Tanzanite Laboratory, which guarantees the authenticity of the gems sold.
Why Was It December’s Birthstone?
The birthstone for December is Tanzanite. For the first time since 1912, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) added this gem to its birthstone list. The birthstone for December is Tanzanite. However, Maasai women in Tanzania are given blue and violet beads for childbirth, which bestows health and prosperity on their progeny regardless of the month of birth. The gift of Tanzanite at a baby’s birth symbolizes new beginnings and rewards those who have shown the most incredible love by becoming parents, according to this tradition.
How Can I Buy Tanzanite Without Paying Duty?
Duty-free shopping is available at every one of our Tanzanite Experience venues.
You will be required to provide your passport and a copy of your visa stamp when you arrive in Tanzania. Foreign nationals and non-residents are the only ones eligible for this offer at the Tanzanite Experience.
Other Tanzanite Stones that are Famous
- Tiffany’s 175th Anniversary Necklace: This necklace was created by Tiffany & Co. to commemorate their 175th anniversary and features Tanzanite, a rare and precious gemstone. The 178.07-carat Tanzanite is encrusted with 75.77 carats of diamonds.
- Tanzanite Brooch by Petersen: A matching set weight of 30-carat Tanzanites is included in this set and can also be worn as earrings. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s collection consists of this one piece.
- Tanzanite Carving By L’heure Bleu: At 725 carats, L’Heure Bleu is a giant natural, unheated tanzanite carving in a world of excellent quality. The American Gem Trade Association recognized this Carving and awarded it First Place in Gem Craftsmanship.
- The Mawenzi: It weighs 16,839 carats. This rough Tanzanite gem is impressive in structure and size, weighing more than six pounds. According to historical archives, it is the most significant piece of Tanzanite ever uncovered.
Buyers Guide for Tanzanites
Verification of Tanzanite’s
To find and purchase this unusual gemstone, consult our buyer’s guide for Tanzanite.
Certification Importance of Tanzanite’s
For Tanzanite, you should confirm that your stone is certified and comes with an official certificate, which provides an in-depth description of its features.
In addition to price, we consider the quality scale essential when giving purchasing advice. The Tanzanite Quality Scale is a globally recognized system for categorizing gemstones based on their color and purity, providing buyers with confidence in the Tanzanite’s high level of quality and genuineness. As long as it has a Tanzanite certification, you know it was mined legally and ethically.
Tanzanite is appraised in the identical way diamonds are: by their clarity, color, cut, and carat poundage, or the four Cs. The rarer the traits, the more expensive the stone is, and the more these traits are valued.
Tax-free shopping is available at all Tanzanite Experience locations including Tanzanite Experience Arusha Tanzania.
- The Color: This term is used to describe the quality and saturation of a color. The color intensity ranges from highly bright to weak, with a predominance of blue or violet hues denoting ‘B’ or ‘V’ in the color code.
- The Clarity: The inclusions in Tanzanite give the stone its clarity. In terms of Tanzanite’s properties, you can find it to be either heavily included or internally fluorescent.
- The Cut: Dimensions and angles are referred to as “cuts” in this context. A well-cut stone is designed to reflect light to its fullest extent, resulting in maximum radiance.
- The Carat Poundage: Gemstones’ weight is measured in carats. A carat has 100 points and weighs 0.05 grams.
Authenticity Certificate
The Tanzanite Experience provides a Certificate of Authenticity with every Tanzanite gemstone and piece of jewelry it sells.
Customers who shop at our stores can feel comfortable receiving high-quality Tanzanites at reasonable, conflict-free prices.
Tanzanite’s Care and Maintenance
The Tanzanite Experience buying guide includes instructions on properly caring for this unusual gemstone. In contrast to diamonds, Tanzanite is an easier gemstone to work with, identical to Emerald.
Even though it requires more attention in care than diamond, it creates some exquisite jewelry. If you’re in Arusha feel free to visit Tanzanite Experience Arusha.
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