Tanzanite Gemstone Information
Tanzanite is a mesmerizing gemstone that has captured the hearts of many gem enthusiasts around the world. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, tanzanite has gained immense popularity due to its unique blue color, rarity, and versatility in jewelry making.
Tanzanite is a variant of zoisite, a calcium aluminum silicate mineral found in metamorphic rocks. Tanzanite's distinctive color comes from the presence of a trace element called vanadium, which gives it a blue to violet hue. The variation in color from blue to violet is due to the rotation of the crystal during cooling. As a result, the light refracts differently through the gemstone, giving it a distinct color.
Tanzanite is a relatively young gemstone, and it is only found in one place on earth - in the Mererani Hills of northern Tanzania. The mineral was discovered in 1967 by a local Masai tribesman named Manuel de Souza, who stumbled upon a cluster of blue crystals while herding cattle. Due to its unique blue color, tanzanite quickly became popular among jewelry designers and gem enthusiasts worldwide.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively durable. However, it is still considered a soft gemstone compared to more robust stones like diamonds or sapphires. Tanzanite has a perfect cleavage, which means that it can break easily if it experiences strong impacts or receives pressure from certain angles. Therefore, it is essential to handle tanzanite with care and avoid wearing it while performing any physical activities that could expose it to pressure or impact.
Tanzanite is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but oval and cushion cut are the most popular. The gemstone is often heat treated to enhance its blue color and clarity. In its natural state, tanzanite has a brownish-yellow tinge, and heat treatment removes this coloration to reveal the blue and violet hues that make it so desirable.
Tanzanite is graded based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, much like other precious gemstones. The four C's - color, clarity, cut, and carat weight- are the most important factors determining tanzanite's value.
Color: Tanzanite's most valuable color ranges from pure blue to violet-blue, and the color saturation should be intense. As the tanzanite moves towards a blue-grey or blue-green hue, its value decreases. The slightest brown or yellow tint in the stone can also reduce its value significantly.
Clarity: Tanzanite is rarely found as completely transparent, and therefore, any inclusions in the gemstone are normal. However, inclusions that obscure the stone's transparency or significantly affect its color can reduce its value. The most valued tanzanite stones have no visible inclusions to the naked eye.
Cut: The cut of tanzanite determines its brilliance, sparkle, and overall beauty. A well-cut tanzanite stone should have a symmetrical shape, balanced proportions, and excellent polish. The cut should also enhance the stone's color and minimize any inclusions.
Carat weight: Tanzanite is available in a broad range of sizes, but larger stones are relatively rare and more valuable. As with other gemstones, the value of tanzanite increases exponentially as its carat weight increases.
Tanzanite is a highly sought after gemstone due to its unique beauty and rarity. However, its rarity can also make it challenging to come by. As such, some unscrupulous dealers may try to sell synthetic or imitation tanzanite as the real deal, making it essential to purchase tanzanite from reputable dealers who can provide genuine gem certification.
Due to its rarity and uniqueness, tanzanite has been nicknamed the "gemstone of a generation." Its value is expected to continue to increase, making it a smart investment for those interested in gemstones. Tanzanite can be used to create a range of exquisite jewelry pieces, including rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. It is also a popular choice for engagement rings and other special occasions.
Tanzanite's blue-to-violet hue makes it an outstanding complement to many other gemstones like diamonds, pearls, and sapphires. It is often set in white gold or platinum but can also be paired with yellow or rose gold to create a unique and striking effect.
In conclusion, tanzanite is a mesmerizing gemstone that has captured the imagination of people all over the world. Its rarity, unique blue-to-violet hue, and versatility in jewelry making make it a highly sought after gemstone. As the value of tanzanite continues to increase, it is a fantastic investment opportunity for those interested in gemstones. Tanzanite is a popular choice for engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other special occasions. With its distinctive beauty, tanzanite is sure to captivate the hearts of gem enthusiasts for generations to come.