While many think that diamonds are a girl's best friend, an extraordinary blue gem that holds a tint of purple may becoming as popular. The gem is called tanzanite and is only found in one section of the world. And Tiffany's promotion of the gem has only increased the demand for the beautiful jewel. The gem gets its name from where it is found. Tanzania is the one location where this glistening beauty can be reached. For hundreds of years the incredible gem remained buried deep within the plains of Tanzania in an area of the country known as the Merelani Hills. Tanzanite was only recently discovered in 1967 and quickly was acclaimed to be the "gemstone of the year".
(Incredibly gorgeous purple/blue tanzanite and diamond ring shown above was appraised in 2010 for over $15,000 CAD. Learn more about it at
VIANVI JEWELRY)
The name for the gem was not the original. Tanzanite really is a blue variety of a gem that is called gemstone zoisite. However, when the world renowned company of Tiffany saw the exquisite gemstone they fell in love. However, they made the recommendation of a better name since the term "blue zoisite" reminded many of the term "suicide" in English. And it is actually Tiffany that termed the name of tanzanite for the gem based on where it had been found. Tanzanite is believed to be a gem that will long be appreciated and desired. It is not only the incredible beauty and colors of the gem that makes it one that many people are willing to pay for. In addition, it is the fact of its exclusivity and rarity. Found only in one location in Tanzania makes tanzanite a rare and special gem for those that can afford one.
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