Visitor's guide
Buying tanzanite in Tanzania
By Mrema and the Gemstone Cutter (T) Investment team, Kibo Tower, Moshi · Updated 30 October 2026
Where to buy tanzanite in Tanzania
All tanzanite comes from the Merelani Hills, between Arusha and Moshi. Both towns have gem dealers and jewellers, and many safari and Kilimanjaro trips pass through them. Moshi is the base for most Kilimanjaro climbs, so it is easy to visit a showroom before or after your trek.
Choose a shop with a permanent address you can find again, rather than a seller who approaches you in the street, at a hotel or at a roadside stop.
Checklist: how to buy tanzanite safely
- Buy from a fixed shop. A showroom with an address and phone number is accountable after you leave.
- Look in daylight. Tanzanite looks bluer in daylight and more violet under warm light. Compare stones side by side.
- Ask for the carat weight and price per carat. This makes it easy to compare stones fairly. See our tanzanite price guide.
- Ask about treatment. Most tanzanite is heat-treated. An honest seller says so.
- Get a certificate. An independent laboratory certificate confirms what the stone is.
- Get a written receipt showing the stone, its weight and the price you paid. Keep it with the certificate.
- Take your time. A genuine dealer will not pressure you to decide on the spot.
Certificates and paperwork
Every stone from Gemstone Cutter (T) Investment comes with a GIA certificate and our own Gemstone Cutter (T) Investment certificate, plus a written receipt.
If you are taking gemstones home, keep the receipt and certificates together and check the current rules for exporting gemstones from Tanzania and for bringing them into your own country before you fly. Rules can change, so confirm them with the relevant authorities.
Visit our showroom in Moshi
Our showroom is in Kibo Tower Building, Ground Floor, Room 4B, Moshi. We are open Mon–Sat 8:30 am – 6 pm, Sun 9 am – 5:30 pm. Our owner Mrema has over 20 years of experience sourcing and cutting gemstones, and we are happy to show you as many stones as you like. How to find us.
Not in Tanzania? Browse our tanzanite online. We call to confirm every order before you pay, and we ship worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to buy tanzanite in Tanzania?+
Buy from an established shop with a fixed address, where you can see the stones in good light, get a written receipt and a certificate. Arusha and Moshi, the towns closest to the Merelani mines, have many dealers. Avoid buying loose stones from street sellers.
Is it safe to buy tanzanite in Moshi?+
Yes, if you buy from a registered shop. Look for a permanent showroom, clear prices, a certificate with every stone and a written receipt. Take your time and never let anyone rush you.
What certificate should come with tanzanite?+
Ask for a certificate from an independent gem laboratory. Every stone from Gemstone Cutter (T) Investment comes with a GIA certificate and our own Gemstone Cutter (T) Investment certificate.
Can I take tanzanite out of Tanzania?+
Yes. Keep the receipt and the certificates from the shop where you bought the stone, and check the current export and customs rules for Tanzania and for your home country before you travel, as requirements can change.
How can I tell if tanzanite is real?+
Real tanzanite shows strong pleochroism, looking blue from one direction and violet from another. Imitations such as glass or synthetic stones can look similar, which is why a laboratory certificate matters more than any quick test.
Can I buy tanzanite from Tanzania online?+
Yes. You can order from our website and we call you to confirm before you pay anything. We ship worldwide.
Keep reading
Tanzanite: the complete guide
What it is, where it comes from, colours, value and care.
Tanzanite price per carat
What a carat costs and why, with real prices from our shop.
Visit our Moshi showroom
Address, opening hours and how to find us in Kibo Tower.
Questions & answers
Payment, certificates, delivery, custom orders and more.
Sources