What color should tanzanite be?

When grading white diamonds, the whiter the stone, the higher its value. In contrast, when it comes to colored gemstones, the more intense or saturated the color, the rarer the stone is and the higher its value. Tanzanite has what many consider to be the finest blue hue in the gemstone world. It has the ability to make even the most beautiful sapphires appear colorless. As a result, tanzanite jewelry has gained immense popularity and tanzanite has become one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Tanzanite is one of the few trichroic gemstones known to man, meaning it is capable of displaying three colors in the same gemstone. When light passes through a gemstone, it vibrates in different planes, causing the stone to appear different colors depending on which axis you view it from. The three colors of tanzanite are shades of blue, violet and red. Trichroism makes the cutting process more difficult than for gemstones without this interesting characteristic. The color of the finished stone will largely depend on the method of cutting it. The most popular and popular color of tanzanite is bright blue, so cutters try to cut the gemstone in a way that brings out its blue hues. A tanzanite cutter spends a lot of time studying the rough stone to determine how it can be cut in an orientation that will produce maximum blue color face up. Good quality tanzanite has a deep royal blue color. or purple. Colors range from rich royal blue or vibrant purple to lighter shades. The dominance of color depends on whether the gemstone is cut and polished along the long or short axis of crystalline raw tanzanite; and the more intense the color, the better the quality. The depth of color or tone of a tanzanite gemstone refers to the lightness or darkness of the stone and ranges from intense (AAA+) to faint (A). The richness of a stone’s hue is often considered the most important factor when evaluating tanzanite. Saturation refers to the level to which the color “fills” the stone. The deeper the color, the more valuable the gemstone. It has been found that consumers naturally gravitate towards deeper colored gemstones. Intensely colored tanzanite gemstones are more valuable because they are much less common in nature. The world’s finest colored tanzanites account for only 1% of the world’s tanzanite production. Larger tanzanite gemstones usually have deeper color, and it is rare to find intensely rich colored tanzanite weighing less than 5 carats. Tanzanite usually has either a predominant blue or violet color. While personal preference should be taken into account before purchasing tanzanite, it is generally accepted that blue dominant tanzanite is a better option from an investment perspective as it is rarer and is likely to yield higher returns. If you are looking to buy tanzanite rings in South Africa or any other tanzanite jewelry, you won’t find better quality than the Shimansky Ayanda Queen of Tanzanite jewelry collection. Cut to perfection to highlight the color and natural beauty of the gemstone, the Ayanda Tanzanite Collection offers the finest tanzanite pendants, earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. With a wide variety of settings and designs, the collection offers something for every taste and preference and is sure to win the hearts of everyone who lays eyes on it. Tanzanite is a relatively new stone on the jewelry market. But despite this, it is already widely known and very popular all over the world. Unfortunately, with the exception of our country. Tanzanite jewelry is highly valued and is an indicator of wealth and fine taste.

Detection and origin

East Africa is considered the birthplace of tanzanite. In 1967, near Mount Kilimanjaro, Ali Juyawati from a local tribe first discovered this gem. Since then, this gem has been recognized as the personification of the mysterious and attractive Africa, possessing rare beauty and extreme exclusivity. The stone was discovered completely by accident, unexpectedly and even spontaneously. Shepherds from one of the local Masai tribes stumbled upon a charred clearing near the famous Kilimanjaro volcano. The top layer of the earth and all the vegetation on it were struck by fire, and underneath them deposits of transparent stones of purple and crimson tones were discovered. The largest nugget weighing about 10 thousand carats (or 2 kg) was brought to local businessman Manuel de Souza, who was engaged in the supply and sale of rubies. Initially, the stone was not appreciated and, due to its transparency, it was considered to be glass. Then they decided that the found stone was the well-known sapphire of a similar bluish hue. But after conducting an examination, the jewelers realized that they had before them a striking find of a previously unknown gemstone. Having analyzed all the structural features of the stone, experts came to the conclusion that it was a type of zoisite, another African gem, known but little used in jewelry making. “Blue Zoisite” immediately attracted the attention of the popular Jewelry House “Tiffany Co” in the USA. Here it was named Tanzanite after the unique place where this stone was mined on the Merelani plateau in the Republic of Tanzania. In the second half of the 25th century, the world was captured by the desire for ethnic African motifs in clothing and jewelry. The appearance of tanzanite, an unknown gem originally from the hottest continent, was very timely. Jewelry made from it from the manufacturers of the Diamond Exchange of Israel has remained quite inexpensive for a long time and has simply replaced jewelry made from blue sapphires. A ring with tanzanite could be bought at a very affordable price, although it was not inferior in beauty and uniqueness to rings with popular and expensive gems. But the rarity of the stone and the right trade policy in this regard, which creates a shortage of jewelry made from this rare stone, led to an increase in prices for “African sapphire”. As a result, demand exceeded supply. Today, the cost of tanzanite is equal to the cost of a real sapphire. The rate of increase in its price is enormous, up to 16% per year. In the modern jewelry market, the inclusion of this stone in the top five best-selling gems around the world is rightfully recognized. The most famous tanzanite in the history of its existence is a stone of 839 carats (just over 3 kg). It was found in 2005 and named after one of Kilimanjaro’s highest peaks, Mawenzi. The question of the value of this nugget has not been resolved to this day.

Appearance and main characteristics

It is impossible to unambiguously characterize the color of the mineral. It has an “Alexandrite” effect, that is, it is able to change its color from different angles and, in fact, has three colors. Azure clear skies, lilac-purple sunset, brown-copper savanna, rich greenery of tropical trees, transparent scorching sun, the entire African continent shimmers in the numerous facets of this beautiful nugget. The presence of chromium and vanadium ions in tanzanite determined the main shades of the stone – blue and violet. They are characteristic exclusively of gems found directly on the earth’s surface. Due to the hot sun, the stone acquires these exact colors. And the color of stones mined from the depths of the earth is often brown or green. Such tanzanites undergo heat treatment. At a temperature of 600 degrees, the stone regains its cool lavender glow. In order to make, for example, a ring with tanzanite, purple stones are often chosen. The color of the stone also depends on its size. The larger it is, the richer its color. For example, medium-sized stones have a purple hue. The so-called “royal” tanzanites are the most valued. In sunlight, a deep blue tone predominates in them, and lavender creates a pleasant reflection. But under lamp lighting, tanzanite has a completely different red-purple tint. Thus, a ring with royal-colored tanzanite is a unique piece of jewelry on the jewelry market. According to the Mohs scale, the hardness of the stone is estimated at 6,5-7,0, and the density at 3,1-3,5 g/cm3. Tanzanite has perfect cleavage, that is, only in the direction that coincides with the direction of the most significant shade of pleochroism. Working with stones of such fusion is quite problematic for lapidaries. It is processed using a brilliant or mixed cut. Stones with inclusions are processed in the form of a cabochon. It is impossible to clean the stone in an ultrasonic bath or with acid. This stone can only be washed with soapy water. Due to its fragile structure, it is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations. And it is impossible to wear tanzanite jewelry every day. This stone is elite, suitable only for the most significant events and appearances. Tanzanite emphasizes the sophistication of taste and individual style of its owner.

Medicinal properties

Speaking about the medicinal properties of tanzanite, first of all, we need to talk about its beneficial effect on vision. If you look at the stone with concentration and relaxation for some time, the tension in your eyes is relieved. There is an opinion that blue tanzanite promotes recovery from colds and alleviates fever. It is possible to use tanzanite in the treatment of skin diseases and spine. Tanzanite also has a positive effect on the frontal chakra.

The magical power of the stone

Tanzanite symbolizes not only wealth, but also passion. Jewelry made from it serves as talismans for those who dream of prosperity and family happiness. A stone in the form of a brooch or pendant promotes career growth, and brings harmony and peace to the family. Married couples exchange tanzanite items on their 24th wedding anniversary, as this gem symbolizes the well-being of the family. Earrings and a ring with tanzanite emphasize the attractiveness, sensuality and charm of a woman. There is no consensus among astrologers as to which sign tanzanite is the patron of. But most experts believe that this stone is most suitable for Aquarius, Pisces, Cancer and Aries, and can give them composure and chastity.

Tanzanite in Russia

Don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of this stone before. Unfortunately, tanzanite is little known in Russia. The fact is that at the time when the stone was discovered and the whole world was going crazy over the “African sapphire,” Russia was part of the USSR. The Soviet system suppressed even the slightest possibility of penetration of the “pernicious influence of the West.” And all the jewelry that existed in a socialist country was produced only by Yuvelirprom. All our modern knowledge about gems is far from modern. Everything we know is only a legacy of the pre-revolutionary past. Therefore, the precious stone has become a curiosity both for buyers and even for jewelers. Although now in Russia you can buy a ring with tanzanite without any difficulties, except perhaps its cost. It is more profitable to buy such a ring directly from the manufacturer in Israel on the Tel Aviv Diamond Exchange

Price and rarity of the stone

Jewelry made from tanzanite is, first of all, valued because there are no more than ten years of reserves of this stone left on Earth. It is this reason that makes collectors around the world buy tanzanite, which will soon become unique and rare. It is not inferior in value to many gems, including a luxurious diamond. After all, it combines an extraordinary color palette and the highest geological indicators. The excellent quality, amazing features and uniqueness of this stone are the reasons why the most discerning buyers choose this gemstone. In addition, tanzanite meets the requirements of jewelry fashion in recent years: today jewelry houses are looking for unconventional materials and color solutions. Earrings, pendant, brooch, ring with tanzanite are signs of high style, luxury and add charm to their owner.

Examples of jewelry

Ring with oval tanzanite, designer setting with small diamonds
Ring with a large cushion-cut stone

Tanzanite fakes

This stone can be expensive. Very expensive. The price can reach many hundreds of thousands and even several million rubles. Because the stone is rare, it can be quite difficult and very expensive to find a high quality stone if you are looking for, for example, tanzanite earrings or a ring. There is only one known imitation gemstone. The jewelry world knows synthetic forsterite, an excellent example of a simulant of this stone. However, it is possible to distinguish an original from a fake even with the naked eye. If you look at the edges of the original stone through the table, the bifurcation of the edges of the pavilion will be barely noticeable, but with synthetic forsterite it will be very strong. If the price of the product is very high (above 200 rubles), it makes sense to arrange for a certificate for the stone or for the product.