Tanzanite has become is one of the most sought after gemstones to find its way into the jewelry market all over the world since its discovery in 1967. The most commonly available pieces are generally tanzanite rings, as most stones are too soft for use in earrings and necklaces. However, one of the most famous of all tanzanite stones, the 242 carat Queen of Kilimanjaro was set in a tiara accented with over 900 diamonds and 800 tsavorite garnets.
Mined in the northern hills of Tanzania (hence its name), the gems are actually reddish brown in their rough state. However, most rings and other jewelry are generally made using stones that have been artificially heated in gemological ovens until they turn violet or sapphire blue. Others, though, may come out burgundy depending on their individual crystal content.
Despite the fact that there is no universal standard currently accepted for grading the hued stones, the Gemological Institute of America has classified tanzanite as a Type I gem, because it generally appears to be flawless to the naked eye. Flawed stones are greatly downgraded and sold much more cheaply in the marketplace.
Mining of these extraordinary stones has proven to be big business for both the Tanzanian government, which makes about million a year on their export to merchants in the United States, India (most raw stones are cut in Jaipur), Israel and Germany. In fact, the American jewelry industry alone reportedly realizes close to 0 million in sales each year.
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