Tanzanite discovery hits 51th anniversary

The discoverer of Tanzanite, Mr Jumanne Ngoma, speaks during a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday. This will be the 51th anniversary since the discovery of the precious gemstone. With him is his daughter and executive director of the Tanzanite Founder Foundation, Ms Asha Ngoma. PHOTO |SALIM SHAO

What you need to know:

  • Tanzanite Foundation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Tanzanite in style as it seeks to tell the world that the gemstone which is found in Mererani, Manyara, was discovered by Mzee Jumanne Ngoma who has been recognized by Presidents Julius Nyerere, Jakaya Kikwete and John Magufuli.

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanite Founder Foundation has announced commemoration of 51 years of discovery of tanzanite, a rare gemstone found in Manyara Region, Tanzania only.

Jumanne Ngoma, who discovered the gemstone 51 years, said yesterday that the commemoration was planned to be held yesterday, but it has been pushed back due to the funeral of victims of capsized MV Nyerere ferry in Ukara Island, Mwanza Region.

Mr Ngoma said he feels proud of being honoured and recognised as the discoverer of the precious gemstone by the first, fourth and fifth-phase governments.

He said the first recognition from the government was made in 1984 by President Julius Nyerere during May Day in Mbeya before being recognised 2015 by President Jakaya Kikwete during the Union Day.

In 2017, President John Magufuli also recognised his discovery.

The Tanzanite Founder Foundation executive director, Ms Asha Ngoma, said they have decided to mark the day to raise awareness and inform the world that tanzanite is found in Tanzania only.

“There have been tanzanite ceremonies around the world, but this has never taken place in Tanzania despite being the only place where it is mined,” said Ms Ngoma, who is the daughter of the discoverer.

She said her father discovered the gem in 1967 at Mererani area in Simanjiro District before being tested at the government laboratory in Dodoma, whereby the then government geologist, Mr Ian MacCloud, confirmed it as Zoisite mineral.

She said since then, tanzanite has become one of the most expensive gemstones mined by both large and small scale miners. “It is now important to commemorate the Tanzanite Day in Tanzania to show the world that it is found here only and this is our heritage,” she said.

She also commended the government move to construct a perimeter wall around the mine, saying it would help bring the country lots of money.