Tanzanite is primarily mined in one location in the world, which is in northern Tanzania, near the Mererani Hills in the Manyara Region. This region is located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the town of Arusha. The area is known as the "tanzanite mining area" and is the exclusive source of this gemstone.
The discovery of tanzanite occurred relatively recently in 1967. It was found by a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu, and the gemstone gained attention for its stunning blue-violet color. Since then, tanzanite has become highly sought after in the jewelry industry due to its rarity and unique coloration. The mining of tanzanite in this region continues to be an important economic activity for Tanzania.