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Colors:
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Blue to violet
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Availability: |
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Supply meets demand |
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Localities: |
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Tanzania
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Common Shapes: |
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Oval, cushion & fancy shapes available |
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Interesting Facts |
According to popular myth, a lightning strike near the Merelani hills set surrounding
grasslands on fire. When the Masai herders returned to the area with their livestock,
magical blue stones appeared on the ground. A Portuguese geologist, named DeSouza,
traveled to this area in Tanzania in the 1960's and noticed this magnificent blue
stone. He brought it to the attention of Tiffany & Co. introducing this exciting
discovery to the world.
With vast deposits in the northern part of the country near the Merelani hills,
Tanzania is the primary source of Tanzanite. It's also found just across the border
in Kenya |
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Characteristics: |
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When heated to 600 degrees Celsius, dull brown zoisite undertakes an incredible
metamorphosis, resulting in the creation of this vibrant blue to violet gemstone. |
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Evaluation: |
Lighting is the most critical factor when evaluating this gemstone. Tanzanite will
display the most blue under daylight, while the violet shades will be more apparent
under incandescent light.
As flawless Tanzanite crystals are relatively common, it should not contain too
many inclusions.
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