Mining of Tanzanite
In the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the only known mining site of tanzanite, called Merelani Hills. Many rumors have surfaced throughout the years concerning other locations, but none have been proven. You can almost see for miles as you stand on top of the hills and view the mines. The Merelani Hills (as people refer to the actual area of the mines) have been the host for the tanzanite rough since 1967. The once populated area, where thousands of workers were busy extracting quality rough tanzanite, is now pretty quiet. Not much action for an area, which gave the world its #1 demanded colored gem. There once were over 2,000 pits or holes in the ground with miners going deep into the surface of the earth to find its deep colored treasures. However, with time came the lack of productivity, causing many to abandon and leave this beautiful area. Today there are about 150 pits in the grounds with several hundred workers.
Rarity of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is rare because of the single source of mining and gem grade colors, darkness, and sizes over 2 cts. are not common. The rarity of the supply slowly became an issue in the eyes of manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Sure the rarity added to the ambiance and the mystery of the gem, but it also added to the price tag. When the mines collapsed in 1998 due to severe flooding, this added to an already slow production schedule. People realized this beautiful gem would not be around forever. Although still produced, the rarity still plays a big role in the character of tanzanite. Many feel it will not be around in years to come. We would rather appreciate it today and not look to tomorrow. The major fault block D that produces the biggest, darkest pieces is still NOT OPEN as of 2002.
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