Miner Finds Ultra-Rare Tanzanite and Becomes Millionaire
September 05, 22
(IDEX Online) - A small-scale miner unearthed over 5.2kg (11lbs 8oz) of Tanzanite - one of the world's rarest gemstones - making him an overnight millionaire.
It is found only in a four-mile strip of Tanzania, near the Mererani Hills in the north of the country.
Anselim Kawishe found two stones, with a combined 5.2kg weight, after 15 years of searching.
"I did not expect that there will be a day when I will be standing here carrying such a big Tanzanite gem," he said according to a report in African Mining Market.
Adolf Ndunguru, of the Ministry of Minerals, said they were worth $1m.
Tiffany & Co first marketed the green, red, purple and blue stone in 1968 under the name Tanzanite, after Tanzania, rather than blue-violet zoisite, its scientific name.
In June 2020, Saniniu Laizer, 52, a farmer and part-time miner, sold two Tanzanite slabs weighing 14kg (31lbs) for $3.4m.
He said he'd use some of the proceeds to build a school and shopping mall for his community.
He has four wives, 2,000 cows and a license to mine for Tanzanite in an area that is now protected by a perimeter wall to deter illegals.
File pic shows Saniniu Laizer with his Tanzanite.