Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the blue and violet variety of the mineral zoisite. It was given the named by Tiffany & Co after Tanzania,  where it was discovered in 1967. It is the only place that it is mined.  It is 6.5 on the mohs scale. Some believe that it aids in detoxifying the body and improving vitality. It is said to be a good stone to wear or have near in situations where you need a calming and soothing presence.

Tanzanite wholesales to the trade today for approx. $70 for a 1 cwt stone of very low grade quality to approx. $500 for  a one carat example of extra fine quality. Larger extra fine stones can fetch upwards of $700 per cwt. The retail price will be several times that, depending on the retailers markup.