Tanzanite - The Perfect Investment for the Future & The Perfect Gift for Your Loved Ones

Tanzanite is a member of the Zoisite family of minerals and is therefore made up of Calcium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide - its chemical makeup being Ca2Al2(SiO4)3(OH). It was first discovered in 1967 by Portuguese geologist named Manuel D'Souza who had traveled to Tanzania with the intention of prospecting for Rubies. It is purported that when he reached Tanzania he was led to deposits of this wonderful gemstone why Masai Tribesmen.

This wonderful mineral is a favorite of jewelers and metalsmiths especially when utilized as a gemstone and can often be found set in elegant pieces of designer jewellery like rings and neckalces and broochs. Tanzanite is likewise valued by collectors and smiths alike for its strong colors which often range along the lines of violet, burgundy or a rich sapphire blue hue. The mineral contributed a large part to the development of Tanzania's jewelry industry, netting the country over 20 million US dollars annually.

The very interesting aspect from an investors perspective is that this is currently the only location in the world where it can be found and mined. Unlike diamonds and other precious stones which can be found all over the globe in many different locations. Tanzanite can only be found on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, at a place called Merelani.

It is believed that it was the eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro which created the unique set of conditions required for Tanzanite to be formed and, as a result, the chances of Tanzanite being found anywhere else on this planet are very remote due to the very rare conditions that were created by Kilimanjaro's eruption.