TANZANITE Gem Variety of Zoisite Merelani Hills, Simanjiro District Manyara Region, Tanzania

摘要

Tanzanite is one of the few minerals that can be cut into fine gemstones and that also occurs as collector-quality crystal specimens, yet it is restricted to one geological environment in one small geographic region on one continent: Africa. Added to this uniqueness is a continuous global demand for gem tanzanite that has been ongoing for more than fifty years and that has been accompanied by high prices for quality stones since its discovery in 1967. Fortuitously, "African Sky Blue," is a Johnny Clegg and Sa-vuka song title. Anyone who has had the opportunity to view the African sky on a clear, cloudless day can attest to its blue intensity and vibrancy. It is appropriate then that tanzanite, one of the most attractive blue minerals that to-date is exclusive to Africa, mirrors this blue vista. For its unique color and restricted occurrence, tanzanite from the Merelani Hills in Tanzania is the mineral featured in this Connoisseurs Column.