What is more expensive: tanzanite or diamond?

In the near future, the price of this stone promises to skyrocket. Already today it is one of the five most coveted and best-selling minerals on the planet. The gem, being very young, managed to star in one of the highest-grossing films of the 20th century and became the calling card of the oldest jewelry brand in the world. A semi-precious stone, which is a thousand times more difficult to find in nature than a diamond, is called tanzanite. His fate is like the story of Cinderella. Originally from a distant African republic, for a long time he did not arouse any interest among connoisseurs of beauty. He was accidentally discovered by Maasai shepherds at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. When one of the samples weighing ten thousand carats fell into the hands of geologists involved in the supply of rubies to Europe, they decided that this was ordinary glass. Later, it turned out that the purple-crimson find was a completely new semi-precious stone. This discovery would not have received wide publicity if not for a fateful meeting with the famous New York jeweler Tiffany. Well-thought-out PR and marketing helped tanzanite to instantly win the hearts of all fashionistas of the last century. He became an obligatory guest on all carpets and never left the covers of fashion magazines, eclipsing even diamonds with his beauty. The amazingly beautiful blue tanzanite finally fell in love with the fairer sex when it starred in the famous “Titanic” along with Leonard DiCaprio. In one of the most poignant love stories, a stone played the role of a diamond. In the form of a heart-shaped pendant, it adorned the neck of the main character. Neither the blue diamond nor even the blue sapphire passed the strict director’s casting for this place. Tanzanite turned out to be the most suitable in color and shine. Initially, the stone, as befits superstars, even had to come up with a sonorous pseudonym. After all, at its core, it is just a variety of nondescript brown zoisite stone. Such a name would be associated among buyers with the word “suicide”, which, of course, would not increase its sales. Then he received a name in honor of his birthplace – the Republic of Tanzania. By the end of the nineties, this gem became the best-selling gem in the world. In the 21st century, it still occupies a leading position, only slightly inferior to sapphire. In Tanzania, it is still customary for Maasai women to give a blue gem after the birth of a child. It is believed that it brings health, family happiness and prosperity to its owner. Due to the fact that tanzanite can only be found in one point on our planet, over an area of ​​only four kilometers, it is considered very rare. The likelihood of finding the mineral somewhere else is practically zero. Interest in tanzanite is also fueled by the fact that there are only enough reserves left for the next ten years. Among other things, working with tanzanite requires high skill. After all, one inaccurate movement or an incorrectly calculated blow is enough, and the sample can crumble into thousands of fragments. The most valuable mineral samples are those with blue tints. At the same time, colorless tanzanites can be turned blue using heat treatment, but such a stone will cost significantly less. Since artificial tanzanites have not yet been created, unscrupulous sellers often pass off synthetic sapphires, and sometimes even colored glass, as valuable African stones. But nature took care of the uniqueness of the stone in advance. So, if you look at the mineral from different angles, its color should change from dark purple to bright blue. It is recommended to use this rule when purchasing it. Fifty years ago, this stone strengthened the economy of the newly formed African republic. Today, buying tanzanite is considered a very smart and timely investment for the future. Jewelry with it is already inherited and becomes family heirlooms. Subscribe to what interests you! As editors of the jewelry shopping blog myjewels.com, we write about the things we love and think you’ll love. If you are weighing the pros and cons of which blue gemstone to choose. Tanzanite and sapphire are two minerals that are the most popular of all blue gemstones, and each have their own pros and cons. Tanzanites and sapphires are very similar in appearance, and without some knowledge it can be difficult to tell them apart. In fact, tanzanite is often mistaken for sapphire. However, in everything else except color, these two stones are very different from each other. Let’s look at the differences between tanzanite and sapphire and see which stone we think is better!

Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Origin and History

Sapphire is a very popular gemstone that has been valued and used in jewelry for centuries. He was associated with the highest echelons of society, including members of the royal family and the clergy. Sapphire is found only in a few regions of the world, with some of the most famous sapphire mining sites being Sri Lanka, Burma and Kashmir. Blue sapphire of gem quality is quite rare. Tanzanite, on the other hand, is a relatively new gemstone. It was discovered relatively recently, in the sixties, and named after the country in which it was found – Tanzania. Tanzanite is extremely rare in nature. Although tanzanite does not have as long or glamorous a history as sapphires, it has quickly established itself as one of the top ten best-selling colored gemstones. Winner of this round: We’re voting for sapphire for its long and renowned history.

Tanzanite vs sapphire – rare

In case you were wondering, both of these gemstones are much rarer than diamonds. Blue sapphires of gem quality are rare in nature and are in great demand. However, natural reserves of sapphires are much greater than those of tanzanite. Tanzanite is found in only one region of Tanzania (at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro) and is approximately 1000 times rarer than diamonds! Natural reserves of tanzanite are being depleted and are estimated to run out within the next few decades. This is why the stone is called a “geological phenomenon” because the odds of finding another tanzanite mine are about 1 million to 1. Winner of this round: Tanzanite, by far, because it is a “one generation” gemstone.

Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Color

Sapphire is the most famous blue gemstone, so much so that most people don’t even know that it comes in every color of the rainbow (except red, known as ruby). High quality blue sapphire has a rich, deep hue. Tanzanite colors are mainly blue and purple. High quality tanzanite can have the same color as sapphires and can be difficult to tell them apart. Tanzanite is also a pleochroic gemstone, meaning that it can display different colors depending on the angle at which it is viewed, most commonly blue and violet. Bright blue is the best and most valuable color of tanzanite. The winner of this round is undecided: both have spectacular colors.

Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Hardness and Durability

Sapphire rules here. Sapphire ranks 9th on the Mohs scale and is the third hardest gemstone used in jewelry, after diamonds and moissanite. It is not easily damaged or scratched and is great for everyday wearing. This is part of the appeal of using sapphires in engagement rings. Tanzanite, on the other hand, is a much softer gemstone, ranking only 6 to 6,5 on the Mohs scale, making it even softer than quartz. Tanzanite can be easily scratched and damaged, and has poor strength and cleavage, meaning it can break if struck. Tanzanite is not recommended for engagement rings unless it is set in a secure location and cared for with extreme care. Winner of this round: Sapphire is superior to tanzanite because it is harder and more durable.

Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Value and Price

Although tanzanite is less common, blue sapphire is highly sought after. All other things being equal, sapphire is much more expensive than tanzanite. It is also often considered a good gemstone to invest in as prices for colored gemstones increase due to demand. There are synthetic versions of sapphire on the market that are more affordable, but they are not very highly prized. All tanzanite on the market is natural, since the stone has not yet been synthesized. Tanzanite is a great option if you want the sapphire look without the high price tag. It is also a great collector’s item due to its rarity and has been called “our generation’s gemstone investment opportunity.” Once tanzanite is depleted, prices are predicted to rise significantly, so getting your hands on it while you can seems like a good idea. Winner of this round: Tanzanite is more affordable than sapphires and has good investment potential.

Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Status and Reputation

Sapphire has always been associated with royalty and has often been worn by royalty and clergy throughout history. Notably, the world’s most famous engagement ring is Princess Diana’s iconic blue sapphire ring, currently worn by Kate Middleton. It is the most recognizable blue gemstone and one of the most expensive. Tanzanite cannot compete with the status of sapphire because it is a recent addition to gemstones. However, it has the reputation of being the most beautiful stone discovered in the last 2000 years! And because of its rarity, it is becoming increasingly known in the jewelry world as the gem to buy before its sources dry up. Winner of this round: Sapphire is more popular and has a higher status than tanzanite in society.

Final verdict.

Both sapphires and tanzanites have their own individual charms. The choice of gemstone depends on the reason for your purchase. If durability is a priority, then sapphire is your best choice. It is also more recognized, appreciated and in greater demand. Tanzanite is a beautiful and more affordable option that has very good investment potential, but is not as durable as sapphire. As you can see, these are very different stones, and both are attractive in their own way. Looking to add tanzanite or sapphire to your jewelry collection? If you need pink and blue sapphires for different budgets, pay attention to the jewelry we offer: