Possible link between terrorism and tanzanite

by Tim Lake

The possible link between Afghan terrorists and a precious gemstone has prompted a ban by many jewelry stores. The gem is called "tanzanite". It’s a beautiful purple-blue stone, and there are reports that it's being smuggled and sold to raise money for the al-Qaida terrorist network. NBC10’s Tim Lake has more.

MIDDLETOWN TWP., Pa. - They are mostly the big jewelry stores like Zales and Gordon’s who have recently stopped selling tanzanite. It’s a purplish-blue gemstone mined in Tanzania, Africa. They explain their reasons on small plaques on their counters.

The jewelers won’t comment on camera, but independent jewelers like Buddy Bear say it’s all because of allegations that some tanzanite is being mined and sold to help finance terrorists like Osama bin Laden.

“There was allegations made November the 16th in a report that was issued in the Wall Street Journal alleging the connection of tanzanite to the al-Qaida terrorist network,” said Buddy Bear, a jeweler.

The report alleged the terrorists were selling tanzanite and using the cash to pay for terrorism.

Jewelers say tanzanite is very popular in the Caribbean. We asked people in our area if they knew tanzanite was being sold to finance terrorism would they still buy it?

“No I would not, because it would be supporting the terrorists,” said Kristin Murphy, from Wynnefield.

“I wouldn’t want to chance it,” said Dana Carmosin, from Plymouth Meeting. “If the money went to them then I would absolutely not even want to go there.”

The jewelry stores that put up the warning signs telling their customers they are no longer selling tanzanite say they’re doing it only until the federal government can either prove or disprove any connection between tanzanite and terrorists groups.

Jeweler trade groups are urging their members to support a policy of not purchasing tanzanite from any source connected with terrorists. But how would they know?

Jeweler Buddy Bear says there is no direct proof that tanzanite is funding terrorism, but that consumers and retailers should buy only from reputable sellers.

“I tell you first of all don’t overreact to it,” Bear said. “There’s allegations of many things in this world, but it hasn't been unproven yet.”

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