Sometime in April 2024, a prospector wandering the hills of the Tanga region of Tanzania got lucky. The region is rich with gem deposits, so he knew there was something to be found if he looked hard enough. Miners know the usual gems that are in the region — rhodolite garnets, brown to red zircons, multicolored sapphires, and rich green tourmalines. But the hope is to find something new, exciting, and valuable. He found it.
Somewhere in the area of Mwakijembe village, the prospector came across brightly colored garnets — the bright, open pink-purple color told him it was something special. It didn’t take long for word to get out and a local gem-rush of both miners and buyers descended on the area. No one knew how large the deposit was, but everyone was determined to get some of the gems.
We still don’t know how large the deposit is; no telling if these juicy garnets will be available for a long time or suddenly be off the market. There are some indications this may be a smaller deposit. One of my suppliers is reporting that they’re finding fewer bright colored stones and more of the expected normal rhodolite-color range stones. But rumor is rumor, only time will tell the truth of it.
For now, I’m grateful to have obtained a small parcel of the best colored gems from the deposit. If you fall in love with this color, I suggest buying some while you can.
NB: these gems are obviously garnets, but whether they are rhodolites or another garnet variety is presently unknown.
