The Tanzanite Gems
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Tanzanite Experience Arusha Tanzania

4.4
·198 reviews·Arusha, Tanzania

Discover the magic of tanzanite, a rare blue gemstone found only in Tanzania, through an educational museum tour and exquisite jewelry displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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The Tanzanite Gems

Tanzanite Experience Arusha Tanzania

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the magic of tanzanite, a rare blue gemstone found only in Tanzania, through an educational museum tour and exquisite jewelry displays.

4.4
(198 reviews)

"A fascinating glimpse into the world of tanzanite, from mine to museum to magnificent jewelry."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Educational Tour

The guided museum tour is free and highly informative, offering insights into tanzanite's discovery and value. :information_desk:

No Pressure to Buy

While there's a beautiful jewelry shop, staff are generally not pushy. Enjoy the exhibits without feeling obligated to purchase. :shopping_bags:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Museum Tour

The Museum Tour

Discover the fascinating history, mining process, and unique properties of tanzanite through informative exhibits and a mock mine.

Exquisite Tanzanite Jewelry

Exquisite Tanzanite Jewelry

Marvel at a stunning collection of tanzanite gemstones and expertly crafted jewelry, from delicate earrings to statement pieces.

Gemstone Cutting Demonstration

Gemstone Cutting Demonstration

Witness the artistry of lapidaries as they transform rough tanzanite crystals into dazzling, faceted gems.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand Tanzanite's Rarity

Tanzanite is one of the world's rarest gemstones, found only in a small region of Tanzania. Learn about its unique geological origins and why it's so precious before you visit.

Navigating the Experience

The Tanzanite Experience offers a museum tour and a jewelry shop. Be aware that some visitors have reported feeling pressured by guides to purchase items, so set your intentions beforehand.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Quieter than afternoons
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the top ten rarest gemstones!! Stitch this so i can see yours!! Make a crystal lovers day, send it to em 💎 #tanzanite
@jakes_gemz
454K likes • 4.1M views

Free Educational Tour

The guided museum tour is free and highly informative, offering insights into tanzanite's discovery and value. :information_desk:

No Pressure to Buy

While there's a beautiful jewelry shop, staff are generally not pushy. Enjoy the exhibits without feeling obligated to purchase. :shopping_bags:

Faceting a Huge Natural Tanzanite into a Work of Art ✨ This 79-carat rough tanzanite crystal was beautifully cut by Steve Moriarty into a step-cut cushion design, showcasing its rare natural, unheated color. #art #jewelry #gems #beautiful #lapidary
@moriartysgemart
132.7K likes • 2.8M views
The Real Tanzanite Experience part 1 Being in Tanzania, visiting the Tanzanite Mines is a must adventure. During our stay in Arusha there were many signs of “The Tanzanite Experience” which is a local museum and jewelry shop that triggered my eagerness to travel to the mine and experience the “Real Tanzanite Experience” at the source itself. We embarked from Arusha on a journey with a bumpy ride ...
l_aquart
139 likes • 3.6K views

Ask About Duty-Free

If you plan to buy, inquire about duty-free invoices to potentially avoid customs charges. :moneywithwings:

Guide's Knowledge

Guides like Jennifer and Beverly are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Ask questions! :bulb:

A day in Arusha Tanzania. I visited the Culture Heritage, African Art Gallery, local Farmers Market, and Tanzanite Experience. #fyp
mechiebaker
5 likes • 106 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Educational Tour

The guided museum tour is free and highly informative, offering insights into tanzanite's discovery and value. :information_desk:

No Pressure to Buy

While there's a beautiful jewelry shop, staff are generally not pushy. Enjoy the exhibits without feeling obligated to purchase. :shopping_bags:

Ask About Duty-Free

If you plan to buy, inquire about duty-free invoices to potentially avoid customs charges. :moneywithwings:

Guide's Knowledge

Guides like Jennifer and Beverly are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Ask questions! :bulb:

Consider Your Budget

Tanzanite jewelry can be expensive. While there are options for various budgets, compare prices if you're looking for the best value. :dollar:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(198 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find The Tanzanite Experience to be an informative and visually appealing stop in Arusha. The free museum tour is praised for its educational content and knowledgeable guides, offering a fascinating look into the world of tanzanite. While the jewelry selection is impressive, some reviewers note that prices can be high, suggesting comparison shopping for the best value.

"I really enjoyed the visit to this place. I didn’t know what to expect.
Clinton was friendly, spoke English well and explained things clearly.
We watched a short film then walked through a small museum room then into a display room.
The jewels were beautiful and there was no pressure to buy anything.
I would have loved to buy a piece of tanzanite jewelry but not on this holiday."

Julie P.

"I loved this tour during my stay in Tanzania! The educational videos were informative. Our guide Beverly was very knowledgeable, friendly and gave a wonderful tour of the history and production Tanzanite. The jewelry and gems on display were beautiful!"

Stacie L

"I had heard of this place described as the Tanzanite Museum. They get you to watch a short video and walk around a mock-up of a mine. It's interesting but not quite what I would call a museum. The rest of the place is a jewellery shop with lots of tanzanite pieces. Jewellery items are very nice but quite expensive, I think we did see cheaper pieces elsewhere. Even with duty free, I don't think this place is great value.

We had always planned to walk to this place from our hotel. On the way we ran in to a local who asked if we wanted to go there. When we said we were already going there, he followed us the whole way, even going as far to stay in the shop the whole time we were there. He also followed us halfway back to our hotel. He was employed by Tanzanite Experience to stand on the street and find more business for them. We think he hung around to get a commission on anything we bought. But we found this stranger following us and then hanging around really creepy, especially when you're concerned about someone stealing expensive jewellery you might have on you."

Nick Spurry

What People Like

Informative free museum tour
Beautiful tanzanite jewelry
Knowledgeable and friendly guides

What People Dislike

Potentially high prices
Occasional lingering guides

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tanzanite Experience is conveniently located in Arusha, Tanzania. Many visitors can walk from nearby hotels. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city for easy access.,Instagram Instagram

Yes, The Tanzanite Experience has an exclusive boutique located within the Arusha Coffee Lodge, making it a convenient stop for guests staying there. Instagram

Absolutely! Many Arusha city tours include a visit to The Tanzanite Experience, often combined with other cultural sites and markets.,Instagram,Instagram Instagram

While specific hours can vary, it's generally open daily. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information, especially if visiting on a public holiday. Reddit

The Tanzanite Experience has a noticeable presence in Arusha, with signs often visible. Some visitors have noted that local guides may approach you to direct you there. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The guided museum tour at The Tanzanite Experience is typically free of charge. There is no admission fee to enter the museum portion of the establishment. Reddit

No, the museum tour is complimentary. You can learn about tanzanite's history and mining process without any cost. Reddit

Generally, no advance booking is required for the museum tour. You can usually join a tour as a walk-in visitor, though it might be busier on weekends. Reddit

The free tour includes an educational film, a walk through a small museum room explaining tanzanite's origins and mining, and access to the jewelry display area. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the jewelry shop to browse and purchase items without necessarily taking the museum tour. Reddit

🎫 💎 Onsite Experience

You'll watch an informative video, explore a small museum detailing tanzanite's discovery and mining, and then enter a showroom with beautiful tanzanite jewelry.,Reddit Instagram

The guided tour usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on how busy it is and how many questions you have. Reddit

While the establishment is a jewelry shop, most visitors report no significant pressure to buy. Enjoy browsing the beautiful pieces. Reddit

Some visitors have mentioned seeing demonstrations or learning about the cutting and polishing process as part of the educational experience.,Instagram TikTok

Yes, there is a large jewelry shop with a wide selection of tanzanite stones and finished pieces, catering to various budgets. Reddit

🎫 💍 Buying Tanzanite

It's a reputable place to see and learn about tanzanite, with a good selection. However, some reviews suggest prices can be high, so comparing elsewhere is wise. Reddit

Prices vary, and while some find them fair, others suggest cheaper options might be available elsewhere. It's recommended to research market prices. Reddit

Yes, they provide duty-free invoices for purchases, which can help avoid customs charges when traveling. Reddit

The jewelry is generally considered beautiful and well-crafted, featuring high-quality tanzanite gemstones.,Reddit Instagram

Research tanzanite's value, compare prices, and consider getting a grading certificate. The Tanzanite Experience offers a good starting point for learning.,TikTok TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography is allowed in the display areas, but it's always a good idea to ask staff if you're unsure, especially near specific exhibits or during demonstrations. Instagram

The brightly lit jewelry displays and the mock mine exhibit offer good photo opportunities. Capturing the vibrant blue of tanzanite can be challenging but rewarding. TikTok

Yes, you can typically photograph the tanzanite gemstones and jewelry on display. The unique color of tanzanite makes for striking photos. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other visitors or staff. Always be respectful of the environment. Instagram

Visitors often share photos of the sparkling tanzanite jewelry, the museum exhibits, and sometimes selfies with their guides or souvenirs.,Instagram TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tanzanite Experience can be an engaging stop for families. The short, informative video and the mock mine exhibit offer a visual and interactive way for children to learn about geology and mining. Reddit The dazzling display of gemstones and jewelry can also capture their attention. While the focus is educational, the visual appeal of the colorful stones might keep younger visitors interested for the duration of the tour. Consider it a brief, enriching cultural and educational stop during your Arusha itinerary. Instagram

💎 Gemstone Enthusiasts & Collectors

For those passionate about gemstones, The Tanzanite Experience is a must-visit. You'll gain in-depth knowledge about the geological formation, mining process, and unique properties of tanzanite, a gemstone found nowhere else on Earth. TikTok The opportunity to see a wide array of tanzanite stones, from rough crystals to expertly cut gems, and to learn about their grading and value, is invaluable.,Reddit TikTok You can also explore a diverse collection of finished jewelry, potentially finding unique pieces to add to your collection. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters

If you're looking for a special souvenir from Tanzania, tanzanite jewelry is a popular choice. The Tanzanite Experience offers a vast selection of rings, necklaces, earrings, and loose stones. Reddit While prices can be high, the quality is generally good, and the option for a duty-free invoice is a significant advantage for international travelers. Reddit Take your time to browse, compare options, and consider what kind of piece would best remind you of your Tanzanian adventure. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Tanzanite: A Gemstone's Story

Tanzanite is a truly unique gemstone, famed for its mesmerizing violet-blue hue. Discovered in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in the 1960s, it's found in only one place on Earth, making it over a thousand times rarer than diamonds. TikTok Its trichroic nature means it displays three different colors when viewed from different angles – typically blue, violet, and sometimes reddish-brown. This rarity and distinctive beauty contribute significantly to its value and appeal. TikTok

The journey from rough crystal to polished gem is a fascinating process. Rough tanzanite crystals are mined from deep within the earth and then undergo meticulous cutting and faceting to reveal their full color potential. TikTok The Tanzanite Experience in Arusha provides an excellent opportunity to learn about this entire process, from the mine to the finished jewelry, offering a comprehensive understanding of why this gemstone is so special. Instagram

While beautiful, tanzanite is also known for its relative softness compared to other gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. It ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it can be more susceptible to scratches and chipping. TikTok This makes it crucial to handle tanzanite jewelry with care and to consider its durability when choosing pieces for everyday wear. Despite this, its unique color and rarity continue to make it a highly sought-after gemstone for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike. TikTok

Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers

Planning a visit to The Tanzanite Experience in Arusha is straightforward, with many travelers finding it an educational and enjoyable stop. The museum tour, often led by knowledgeable guides like Beverly or Jennifer, is a highlight, offering insights into the gemstone's history and mining.,Reddit Instagram This free tour is a great way to appreciate the significance of tanzanite before browsing the extensive jewelry collection. Reddit

When it comes to purchasing tanzanite, visitors have mixed experiences. While the selection is vast and includes pieces for various budgets, some reviews suggest that prices can be on the higher side, and it's advisable to compare with other retailers if value is a primary concern. Reddit However, the convenience of a duty-free invoice for purchases is a significant perk for international travelers. Reddit Remember that tanzanite, while beautiful, is a softer stone, so consider its durability for everyday wear. TikTok

Some visitors have noted that local guides may approach you on the street to direct you to The Tanzanite Experience, and occasionally these guides may linger during your visit. Reddit While this is part of the local tourism dynamic, be aware of your surroundings and comfortable with the level of interaction. Overall, The Tanzanite Experience offers a valuable glimpse into the world of this rare gemstone, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in gems or local culture. Instagram

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