SAJN | MINING
Zimbaqua is the world’s first sustainable mine empowering women in rural communities. It works closely with community leaders to provide education and healthcare to children, while creating employment and a better quality of life. THE WORD “AQUAMARINE” ORIGINATES FROM the Latin, meaning “water of the sea”, and refers to the blue to blue-green variety of beryl. Its beautifully delicate blue colour is derived from iron. Other well-known gem varieties of beryl include emerald, morganite and heliodor. Magma under the earth’s crust interacts with mineral-rich rocks (pegmatites), which are formed in the final stages of magma crystallisation. Aquamarine is formed in pegmatites once these rocks are heated.
Inside Africa’s first mine with an allfemale workforce Because of the way aquamarine is formed, it is found mainly in rocky or mountainous areas of the world – particularly Africa, India, South America, Russia and North America. The Zimbaqua mine in Zimbabwe was founded in a rural area where people traditionally farm tobacco and maize. “Starting a mine from scratch isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s a daunting task that takes time,” says founding partner Iver Rosenkrantz, a trained gemmologist with over 10 years’ experience sourcing gemstones across all parts of Africa. Based in Tanzania, he has built a series of iconic African luxury brands whose hallmarks are sustainability, empowerment and growth. He brings this unique knowledge and expertise to lead sales and marketing for Zimbaqua and to broadcast its important message to the world.
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SA JEWELLERY NEWS - AUGUST 2021
