Everything you need to know about tanzanite — the rare blue gemstone found only in Tanzania. Buying, pricing, and spotting fakes.
What Is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a rare blue-violet gemstone found only in one place on Earth — a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is 1,000 times rarer than diamond and is one of the most sought-after colored gemstones in the world.
Why Is It So Special?
- Found in only one location globally — the Merelani Hills near Arusha
- 1,000 times rarer than diamond
- Exhibits trichroism — shows blue, violet, and burgundy from different angles
- Named after Tanzania, the only country where it is found
- December birthstone
How Is Tanzanite Formed?
Tanzanite formed approximately 585 million years ago in the Merelani Hills, a mountainous area at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its formation was caused by tectonic activity, heat, and pressure from the rising mountains.
Buying Tanzanite
- Buy from reputable dealers in Arusha or established jewelers
- Request a certificate of authenticity
- Color should be vivid blue or blue-violet — the deeper the color, the more valuable
- Look for clarity — tanzanite should be eye-clean (no visible inclusions)
- Prices range from $50-100 per carat (small, lower quality) to $1,000+ per carat (top quality, large stones)
How to Spot Fakes
- Imitation tanzanite is often blue spinel, synthetic sapphire, or colored glass
- Real tanzanite changes color slightly when viewed from different angles
- Request certification from a reputable gemological lab
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
Where to Buy in Tanzania
- Arusha — Main hub for tanzanite shopping. Visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre.
- Moshi — Shops near Kilimanjaro area
- Dar es Salaam — High-end jewelers
Tax-Free Shopping
Tanzania offers tax-free shopping on gemstones for tourists. Get your tax-free voucher at the shop and present it at the airport to reclaim the tax.
