The History And Origin Of Tanzanite
Add shine to your style with the delicate sparkle of a tanzanite beaded bracelet or necklace. These gemstones that show blue, violet or purple hues, and will dazzle any wardrobe choice in any season.
Tanzanite can be found in only one place in the world in an area 4.3 miles long by 1.2 miles wide at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. History has it that in 1967, a Maasai tribesman discovered a cluster of highly transparent, intense violet to blue crystals weathering out of the earth in Merelani, Tanzania. It is said that while the Maasai herdsmen were tending to their cattle, a fire broke out and burned the grasslands. The herdsmen noticed some glow under the burned area and discovered the blue rocks. He alerted a local fortune hunter who thought it to be sapphire and quickly registered four mining claims. Once miners discovered the stone was very different from that of a sapphire, they gave the crystal its own name, tanzanite.
Tanzanite is one of the most popular gems in the marketplace today and is highly sought after due to the richness of its color. It is known to be one of the most beautiful, blue tinted gems in the world. It can change color when viewed from different directions.
The Maasai believe Tanzanite is a gift from the gods as the color blue has always been sacred to them. This gift from the fires has led to a tradition where a gift of tanzanite is given to a woman after the birth of a child to bring good fortune.
Tejas Beads is a gemstone bead store with an extensive collection of gemstone beads, pearls, findings, and jewelry-making supplies. We have over ten years of experience in the industry, so we are confident that we can help you meet all your jewelry-making needs. We want you to have a positive experience while shopping, so give us a call if you have any questions about our online store.
Comments on this post (3)
My mother chose this stone for my 13th birthday gift, my 1st husband had it reset with 2 diamonds 30years ago and I have since added my grandmother’s diamond. I am now 62 and get many admiring comments on the ring. I also received a necklace from my mother, to match the ring, on my 21st birthday and have since added a diamond to that setting as well, the chain alas has worn out and I search for a replacement. I love my tanzanites
— Carol A Widen
Enjoyed reading the history om tanzanite. Thx
— Sheree Leis
I have been a fan of tanzanite for years. My favorite is my tanzanite and pearl bracelet. I wear it to dress up jeans and a white shirt. Love it!
— Anonymous