Dar Es Salaam: The Tanzanian government said it heard “rumours” that some people were planning to bring synthetic stones packaged as natural tanzanite and sell them to unsuspecting buyers at the ongoing Arusha Gem Fair, reports Rough & Polished.
Commissioner for minerals Benjamin Mchwampaka said on the side lines of the gem fair that they were on high alert to keep synthetics out of the show.
“Ours (the fair) in Tanzania is for genuine stuff only, so we don’t encourage or entertain anybody trying to tamper with our show by introducing synthetic stones which could tarnish the image of our show,” he said.
“I strongly warn anyone who is intending to do so that once they are found [on the wrong side of the law] their stuff will be confiscated by the commissioner for minerals and necessary measures according to the existing laws will be taken against such people. I warn them to refrain from tampering with our show by bringing unwanted synthetic stones.”
Mchwampaka also said that the government had set up three labs during the fair where customers in doubt of the authenticity of any stone will go to get it tested before any purchase.
The three-day gem fair started Wednesday with several rough and polished gemstones, including the rare tanzanite, up for grabs by local and international buyers.
