Tanzania
According to a widespread legend, it was the Maasai, nomadic shepherds, who were the first to discover the splendid blue Tanzanite crystals which, transformed by a bush fire, lost their characteristic grey-brown colour.
The history of tanzanite will always be linked to the Maasai people. Blue is a sacred colour for the Maasai. In the past, women were given blue beads and clothes as a gift after giving birth to a child. Today, Maasai chiefs give them a tanzanite when a baby is born, as a sign of blessing, to wish the baby a good health and a rich and beautiful life.
These stones are the result of volcanic activity in the Kilimanjaro Mountain range.
Tanzanite exists in only one place in the world in limited quantities and it is likely that the deposits will be exhausted within the next 20 years.
This mineral is remarkable because of its strong trichroism. Tanzanite can change colour depending on the angle from which it is viewed, ranging from blue to violet. It is appreciated for its blue colour with changing reflections.
However, it also exists in shades of green, yellow, pink, orange... Some, called fancy Tanzanites, are multi-coloured. The most prestigious and beautiful of the multi-coloured Tanzanites is the "chameleon" which has incredible reflections.
The colours of tanzanite result from the presence of traces of chromium and vanadium.
The majority of Tanzanites used in jewellery have been heated in a kiln between 520 and 800 degrees for a few minutes to intensify their natural colour and to reduce brown tones or to sustain their colours.
