Tanzanite, like this specimen shown, mined in Merelani Mines, Arusha, Tanzania, most often presents in an intense blue color, and occasionally, such as with this example, shades of deep purple can be seen. A different specimen of tanzanite topped the news recently with the discovery of what may be the largest example ever unearthed.
THE ARKENSTONE, WWW.IROCKS.COM
My West Coast home state of California has many things in common with the East Coast state of North Carolina. Both have diverse geology that ranges from scenic mountains to ocean views. Both boast a wonderful state university system.
One hosts a “Golden Triangle” and the other a “Silicon Valley” of research and innovation. They both are famous for historic gold discoveries. In fact, North Carolina was known as the “Golden State” long before California usurped that title. A gold rush started there in 1803, sparked by the 1799 discovery of a 17-pound nugget by a 12-year-old boy in Cabarrus County. Prior to 1829, all gold coined at the Philadelphia mint was from North Carolina. Then came the Forty-Niner Gold Rush that saw California’s eventual statehood, which became the new “Golden State.”