Tanzanite Strike at Block D Mine

A recent strike in the Block D section of the Tanzanite Mines has been purchased by Lapigems Gem Company, a Nairobi based specialist cutter.

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Tanzanite Strike at Block D Mine

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 26, 2011 --Tanzanite is a rare gemstone only mined in East Africa, specifically on the slopes of the legendary Mt.Kilimanjaro. The deposit was discovered in 1967 and the new gem type named by the chief gemologist at Tiffany's at the time; a man named Harry Platt. Since the late 1960's the deposit has been mined voraciously by a veritable army of miners all with their own small claims in a scene akin to the California gold rush.

Although a great deal of material is mined annually, only a very small percentage of it (estimated at less than 1%) is of the finest grade known as AAA by the miners. This material is extremely deeply saturated with a very vivid, deep blue hue. The crystals are generally flawless and material of this grade is coveted the world over. Traditionally the largest markets for it have been in the western world with the US accounting for over 60% of worldwide sales. However, recently, intense interest in the stone from China has caused an increase in the competition for the finest pieces and a resulting price spike.

The mining area is divided by the Tanzanian government into 4 blocks (A,B,C,D). Block D is generally acknowledged to produce the finest stones. A recent strike at this mine hit a pegmatitic vein of the very finest material and some extremely fine crystals were mined.

Lapigems Gem Company, a Nairobi based specialist cutter was the successful bidder for the rough from this strike. The company plans to cut free size exceptional pieces from 1 to 3 carats from the production to add to their world renowned private collection. These can be viewed on their website.

Since its discovery, Tanzanite has had a meteoric rise up the ranks of the gemstone kingdom and is now one of the most revered and sought after colored gemstones in the world. Sales are only surpassed in the US market by blue sapphire.

More information can be found online at http://www.lapigems.com

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