Xyrille Joy P.

Bernal
Grade 11 Emilio Aguinaldo
Tanzanite is so incredibly rare that
experts believe the worlds entire supply
of it will be depleted within the next 10 to
15 years. Thats because the worlds
entire supply of it exists in a single patch
of earth, measuring approximately 4
square kilometers. It is found only in
Northern Tanzania in the foothills of
Mount Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, the
conditions that created the deposit of
rare stone on the foot of that great
volcano are so geologically unique, most
geologists agree the odds of another
batch being created arent hopeful: about
Tanzanite a million to one.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz and

owes its purple color to the presence of
iron. It is composed of silicone dioxide
SiO2. It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs
Scale and is transparent to translucent.
The color of amethyst is heat sensitive. It
will turn yellow when exposed to heat.
Commercially available citrine is often
amethyst that has been heat treated.

Known as the sobriety stone and

associated with the Greek god Dionysus,
amethyst is recognized for its general
Amethyst
calming effect. The Greeks and Romans
carved wine goblets from amethyst,
believing that it could prevent
intoxication.