Tanzanite has become one of the most popular gems in the market place. In fact, it is now the most popular gemstone after the “big four,” which consists of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. At first, the gemstone was only available in smaller sizes, but now much bigger sizes are sold. Today, tanzanite can cost over $2000 per carat in larger sizes at retail stores. Tanzanite is far less expensive than sapphire, for which it often serves as a substitute.
Tanzanite is a member of the mineral family zoisite, which has been known about for nearly two centuries. Zoisite occurs in a number of varieties, the most sought after being Tanzanite. This mineral family was named zoisite in 1805, some time after the Austrian scientist Baron Siegmund Zois von Edelstein (1747-1819) had identified the mineral in the Saualpe Mountains of Carintha, Austria. Siegmund Zois von Edelstein operated an iron mine in the Karawanken Mountains in Karnten Austria and encountered the mineral on his own property. Centuries later, the discovery of a bright blue transparent variety that we now know as tanzanite, created a lot of excitement in the specialist world.
Tanzanite stones are 585 million years old. There are apparently only very rare tanzanite stones that are naturally blue. Given its attractive color, rarity and the publicity, which greeted its discovery, the value of tanzanite is quite high, just a little less than that of the violet-blue sapphires it resembles. But it is rarely seen on the market and is very much a collector’s item. Tiffanys has one of the largest and most beautiful displays of tanzanite in the world. The Smithsonian Institution also has an impressive collection consisting of one faceted stone of 122.7 carats and a rare cat's eye tanzanite of 18.2 carats.
With few inclusions, by 1970, the royal blue find was soon the focus of American and European publicity. When word of the new gemstones got out, Henry Platt of Tiffany and Co. named the new gem “tanzanite” and Tiffany’s began a marketing campaign to introduce it to the public. Now, tanzanite is the pride of the gem-rich East African country, Tanzania. Soon after word of this new precious stone got out however, a murderous attack put a swift end to exploitation of the mineral. A fake car accident, in which d’Souza died, interrupted any follow up supplies. As a result, supply was unable to keep up with demand during the following two years.
African Lore claims that Tanzanite calms "high frequency" types who tend to live in a very intense state, helping to slow them down and mellow them out. It keeps you organized, productive, and able to get a lot accomplished without being insensitive to others or being too bossy or demanding. It is balancing to those in a position of service and keeps them from over-extending themselves, or falling into negative habit patterns, such as being overly bossy. Tanzanite also has many of the same abilities as that of the blue Sapphire, in that it dispels stress, improves communications and is a mood elevator. It can also overcome long-term misfortunes and has been known to help protect from travel dangers.
It has been said that the ancient Celtic chiefs used Tanzanite to aid in decisions concerning successor-ship. It was used to facilitate the vision which would determine the rights and priveleges of those who were considered for the position.
Tanzanite is a "Stone of Majik", producing the perfect symmetry of personal power and actualization. It brings the 'will' to the aid of manifestation, and enhances both the beginning and the end.
This mineral is an excellent stimulator of the throuat, thrid-eye and crown chakras, bringing together all apects of communication and psychic power, allowing the user to adequately communicate visions.
(Astrological Signs of Sagittarius, Gemini & Libra)
Vibrates to the number 2
TAnzanite can be used in teh treatment of skin disorders, mis-alignment of the spinal column and disorders of the eyes. It has also been used to help to bring one from a comatose state.
