According to legend, the picturesque landscape in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro was set ablaze by lightning. Dull brown crystals were magically transformed into striking bright shards of blue-violet gems, discovered by Masai tribesmen walking through the smoke and ashes. Since then, the Masai of Tanzania have believed these mystical stones bring abundant blessings. When a new baby is born in the village, they are gifted a blue shuka (blanket), symbolizing new beginnings and a fortunate life.

Ali Juyawatu, a Masai tribesman, first discovered this unusually beautiful gemstone while grazing his cattle. His curiosity led to the beginning of Tanzanite’s story. Manuel d’Souza, an Indian tailor and global prospector of gold and gemstones, was introduced to Juyawatu’s find. D’Souza’s vision and efforts transformed this small discovery into an international sensation.

At Tanzanite Has a Story, we provide authentication certificates with every stone, confirming the color, clarity, weight, shape, and value of your Tanzanite. The Tanzanite Quality Scale, an internationally recognized system, evaluates gemstones using the Four C’s: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This ensures that your Tanzanite is graded professionally, with higher combinations of these properties reflecting increased value.

At Blue Zebra, our exceptional collection of Tanzanite gemstones and jewelry is sourced directly from the mines. Each piece has a personal story, from mine to market. We honor every step of its journey, starting with the miner who discovered the stone, through the careful processes of cutting, polishing, and eventually presenting it for sale.

Few companies work as closely with local miners as Blue Zebra. We are committed to recognizing their stories, efforts, and skills. Local miners contribute over 80% of the world’s Tanzanite production, and their invaluable role deserves to be celebrated and remembered.