Tanzanite: What It Is, Origin, Price and How to Buy It in Mexico
THE RAREST GEMSTONE IN THE WORLD
Natural Tanzanite in Mexico
Origin, identification, real 2026 prices and how to buy it
Tanzanite is one of the most fascinating gemstones of the 20th century. Discovered in 1967 in the Merelani hills of Tanzania, it is 1,000 times rarer than diamond and is only found in a specific zone of the planet. Its violet-blue color is unique in the gemological world.
⚡ Buy natural tanzanite direct from Tanzania
Each piece is one-of-a-kind. There is only 1 available of each gemstone.
View all natural gemstones →What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a violet-blue variety of zoisite, discovered accidentally in 1967 by a tailor named Manuel d'Souza near Mount Kilimanjaro. The company Tiffany & Co. launched it to the world in 1968 and named it in honor of the country.
What makes it unique:
- Trichroic pleochroism: it shows 3 colors (blue, violet, burgundy) depending on the angle
- Unique geographic origin: 5 km² in the Merelani hills of Tanzania
- Limited reserves: an estimated 20-30 more years of extraction
- Historical increase in value: +1,500% over the last 30 years
How to identify an authentic tanzanite
1. The pleochroism test (the most reliable)
Take the tanzanite and observe it from different angles under white light. You should see at least 2 distinct colors: typically intense blue and violet-purple. If you only see a uniform color, be suspicious.
2. Inclusions under 10x loupe
Every natural tanzanite has inclusions visible at 10x. If the stone looks "perfect" under magnification, it's probably synthetic or forsterite (the most common imitation).
3. Color under incandescent vs natural light
Under natural light (sun/cool LED): blue predominates. Under warm incandescent light (yellow bulb): violet and burgundy tones appear. This variation is called "play of color".
4. Heat treatments
Almost all tanzanite (98%) is heated between 500-700°C to enhance the blue. This is standard and accepted, but unheated tanzanites are rarer and more expensive (10-20% premium).
5. Professional certification
For tanzanites over 2ct, a GIA or AGL certificate is worth it to confirm:
- Correct species and variety (blue zoisite = tanzanite)
- Tanzania origin
- Treatment (heated or not)
- Exact weight and dimensions
Real tanzanite prices in Mexico 2026
| Size | Commercial quality | AAA quality |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ct | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| 1 ct | $3,000–$6,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| 2 ct | $6,000–$12,000 | $18,000–$35,000 |
| 5+ ct | $25,000+ | $80,000+ |
Our natural tanzanites
At Gold Shield we offer natural tanzanites directly from the mines of Merelani, Tanzania. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and comes with an authenticity guarantee:
Tanzanite Violet-blue 1.27ct — Octagonal Cut — Tanzania
1.27ct · Octagonal · Tanzania
$5,999 MXN
View details →Why is tanzanite a good investment?
- Limited supply: only 5 km² in the world
- Depleting mines: estimated 20-30 years of remaining extraction
- Growing demand in the U.S., Asia and Europe
- Historical increase in value: +1,500% over 30 years
- If supply falls to zero and demand grows, prices could multiply 5-10x over the next decade
Special care for tanzanite
Tanzanite is relatively soft (hardness 6.5-7 Mohs) and sensitive to impacts. Recommendations:
- ❌ Do NOT use in everyday or rough-wear rings (better for pendants, earrings, dress rings)
- ✓ Clean ONLY with warm water + mild soap
- ❌ Do NOT use ultrasonic cleaning or steam
- ✓ Store separately in a soft cloth pouch
- ❌ Avoid contact with perfumes, creams, chemicals
- ✓ Remove before showering or swimming
⚡ Reserve your one-of-a-kind tanzanite
Each piece is one-of-a-kind. There is only 1 available of each gemstone.
View all natural gemstones →Conclusion
Tanzanite combines unique geological rarity, incomparable beauty and investment potential. It's the perfect gemstone for someone looking for something that tells a story: that of Kilimanjaro, of a tailor who accidentally discovered the rarest gemstone in the world.
