MIRERANI TANZANITE

TanzaniteOne Mining, Ltd. Hosts

Special Guests of the Arusha International Gem Fair

By Joseph Lyimo

Mirerani Hills, Tanzania, May 2012 —While attending the Arusha International Gem and Mineral Fair last week, a delegation of International visitors spent the day at the TanzaniteOne Mining operation in Mirerani, Tanzania.    Amongst the select few were Doug Hucker, AGTA, Robert Weldon, GIA, and Steve Bennett, GemsTV. 

It was an opportunity to see first hand how Tanzanite is mined at one of the world’s most sophisticated colored gemstone operations.  As guests of TanzaniteOne Ltd, and the Tanzanite Foundation, the delegation got to experience the underground operation, plant and sorthouse, as well as the Tanzanite Foundation Community Projects.  Children at a local orphanage and Primary School received gifts of soccer - and basketballs donated by Master Gemstone Carver Naomi Sarna.

Doug Hucker, CEO of AGTA, (The American Gem Trade Association), says “ We were delighted to have an opportunity to visit the Tanzanite One operation while attending the Arusha International Gem, Jewelry & Minerals Fair.  Our trip into the mine was an experience that helped us appreciate what it takes to coax these magnificent treasures from the earth.  I was especially gratified to see the work that was being done in local communities to improve the living conditions of Tanzanian children.” 

TanzaniteOne Mining Ltd:

TanzaniteOne Ltd is the world's largest and most scientifically advanced extractor and supplier of rough Tanzanite. Their unique position allows
 it to support and influence the entire Tanzanite chain, from mine to market.

Tanzanite:

Tanzanite, the rare and precious blue-violet gemstone, is one of the most intriguing and desirable treasures of modern times. It is found in only one place on earth, and experts agree that the chances of tanzanite being found anywhere else in the world are less that one in a million.  Its single source and finite supply mean that tanzanite is at least 1000 times more rare than diamonds. 

The color of tanzanite is so unusual  - it varies from deep dark blues to flattering shades of violet and periwinkle, pale blue, and mauve, especially in the smaller sizes.  Depending on how a stone has been cut, it will appear either more blue or violet.  Flashes of burgundy and cerise can be seen in the larger stones.  

The Tanzanite Foundation:

A non-profit, trade organization dedicated to promoting and protecting tanzanite, The Tanzanite Foundation exists to strengthen and maintain confidence in tanzanite’s integrity, educate consumers on quality and rarity, and grow value for all participants in a dynamic tanzanite market.

At the heart of their activities, The Tanzanite Foundation has sought to develop a tanzanite industry free from exploitation that truly benefits local Tanzanian communities.  To date, the Tanzanite Foundation has built two schools, a medical clinic and a community center, and pumps fresh water daily into the local community outside the tanzanite mining area.  A reverse osmosis plant has also been installed to prevent the local children’s teeth from turning brown from too much fluoride.