 The newest
most exciting gem on the market today is Tanzanite. Tanzanite was first
discovered in the 1960's and named by Tiffany & Co. in honor of its
country of origin, Tanzania, Africa.
Tanzanite is well known for its beautiful velvety purplish blue mesmerizing color. Limited quantities of tanzanite have been found, and almost exclusively in Tanzania, where the main deposit is nearly exhausted. Due to the limited supply and great demand tanzanite is almost as expensive as the sapphire it resembles. Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to abrasions and chips if worn in a ring. Tanzanites should not be put in ultrasonic cleaners. For best care a mild solution of warm water with a very mild cleaner and a very soft toothbrush. |
