Mine

Tanzanite's story is truly remarkable—a gem discovered almost by chance in the late 1960s, it quickly became one of the most sought-after stones in the world. However, its journey to fame wasn't without challenges.

A few years after its discovery, the Tanzanian government recognized just how special this gemstone was. They decided to nationalize the mine, bringing it under their control to manage and protect this precious resource. This move helped stabilize the industry and allowed more retailers around the world to access Tanzanite, introducing its stunning blue-violet hues to new markets.

As the word spread, more and more people fell in love with Tanzanite, and by the late 90s, the demand for this gem had skyrocketed. It was becoming a favorite in fine jewelry, cherished for its unique color and rarity. Everyone wanted a piece of this beautiful gemstone, and the mines in Tanzania were working tirelessly to meet this growing demand.

But then, in 1998, tragedy struck. Heavy rainstorms swept across Tanzania, and the mines, already working at full capacity, were not prepared for such extreme weather. The relentless rain caused the mines to collapse, leading to a heart-breaking loss of life and halting production for several months. It was a devastating blow for everyone involved, from the miners to the jewellers and the customers eagerly awaiting their Tanzanite pieces.

Despite this setback, the Tanzanite industry slowly recovered. The tragedy underscored the risks and challenges of mining this precious stone, but it also highlighted the resilience and determination of those who sought to bring Tanzanite to the world. Today, Tanzanite continues to be a symbol of beauty, rarity, and the enduring spirit of those who mine and cherish it.

Tanzanite mining is a fascinating process, one that’s deeply connected to the land where this beautiful gemstone is found. Most of the mining is done using the pit method, which is exactly as it sounds—miners dig holes straight into the earth to extract the precious crystals hidden within the rock. The Tanzanite deposit itself is spread across a small reef, just about 5 kilometres long, making this gem even more special due to its limited source.

At its peak, there were once over 2,000 pits dotting this area, with miners working hard to uncover the deep-coloured treasures that lay beneath the surface. The scene must have been incredible, with the landscape bustling with activity as everyone worked to unearth these stunning gems.

However, the heavy rainstorms of 1998 brought about a significant change. The flooding of the mines was a tragedy that not only took lives but also caused a severe disruption in production. The mines never fully recovered from this event, and many miners were forced to leave, unable to continue their work in the once-thriving area.

Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. There are only about 150 pits remaining, with around 200 dedicated workers continuing the tradition of mining Tanzanite. While the scale is much smaller, the passion and dedication of these miners are just as strong. They continue to extract this rare and beautiful gemstone, ensuring that Tanzanite's legacy lives on for those who appreciate its unique beauty.

Even today, finding Tanzanite in British jewelry stores can be quite a challenge. It's a rare gem, and only a handful of stores carry a good selection—if they have any at all. This scarcity is part of what makes Tanzanite so special. There’s still only one place in the world where it's found, and out of all the gems mined, only about ten percent are of the highest quality, with that rich, deep blue color that Tanzanite is famous for.

The reality is that Tanzanite is a finite resource. Experts believe that the supply could run out in the next ten to fifteen years, which adds a sense of urgency and preciousness to owning a piece of this beautiful gemstone. In fact, over the last eight months, no crystals in the top three grades have been found, underscoring just how rare this gem is becoming.