In my latest issue of the Kenya-based magazine OLD AFRICA(to which I subscribe and contribute articles), there is an interesting article on one Manuel De Souza, who is credited with discovering tanzanite on July 7th 1967. Tanzanite being the first new gem of commercial importance to be found since the discovery of alexandrite in April 1834. Am passing this on as it may be of interest to former Tanzania Goans and others too. Sadly, Manuel, affectionately nicknamed "Mad Manuel" because of his passion for hiking through the African bush on foot and unarmed, died at the very young age of 56 in 1969. If anyone is interested in this man and the article referred to, please contact me.
Mervyn