Tanzanite is a valuable, transparent, blue-violet type of zoisite resembling sapphire. It is often heat-treated in order to produce a deeper blue-violet color. This mineral was discovered in 1967 by Manuel d'Souza (an Indian tailor) southwest of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Exotic velvety blue with a rich overtone of purple, tanzanite is a one of a kind gem, unlike any other. Tanzanite is relatively new on the gemstone market, but has left its mark. Some in the market have added tanzanite to the elite class of the major gemstones: Diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, opal, and tanzanite. Others are calling it the "gemstone of the year." Its popularity is quite phenomenal.