Table of Contents
Tanzanite gemstone, with its stunning blue-violet hues, is a rare treasure found only in Tanzania. The tanzanite color is crucial in determining the gem’s value and appeal. Discovered in 1967, it’s renowned for its unique color shifts and high value. In this article, we’ll delve into what makes tanzanite special, its value, and investment prospects.
Key Takeaways
- Tanzanite is a rare gemstone with unique optical properties, such as pleochroism, and is primarily found in Tanzania, enhancing its exclusivity and value.
- The gemstone underwent strategic branding and marketing by Tiffany & Co. after its discovery in 1967, establishing its presence in the gemstone market.
- The anticipated depletion of Tanzanite resources within the next 25 years may significantly increase its market value, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
- Tanzanite’s rarity influences its market dynamics, including pricing challenges and competition from cheaper stones mined by independent operators. This rarity also contributes to its limited recognition, complicating efforts to establish a stronger brand presence.
What is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a rare and exotic gemstone found exclusively in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. This unique gem is a variety of zoisite, distinguished by its captivating blue-violet color, which is attributed to the presence of vanadium. As a trichroic gemstone, Tanzanite displays different colors when viewed from various angles, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of blue, violet, and purple hues. This optical phenomenon, combined with its limited geographic origin, makes Tanzanite a highly sought-after gemstone among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. The allure of Tanzanite lies not only in its stunning appearance but also in its rarity, as it is found in only one location on Earth, adding to its exclusivity and value.
The Unique Beauty of Tanzanite
Tanzanite is celebrated for its stunning bluish violet to blue-violet appearance, a result of its unique mineral composition of zoisite. Unlike many gemstones, Tanzanite’s blue color can change depending on the lighting conditions. Under cool lighting, the gemstone exhibits a deep blue hue, while warm lighting enhances its violet tones, making it a versatile and enchanting gemstone for jewelry.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Tanzanite is its pleochroism. This trichroic gemstone displays different colors when viewed from various angles, showcasing shades of red-violet, deep blue, and yellow-green. This optical phenomenon adds to Tanzanite’s allure, making each piece a unique and dynamic work of art.
Tanzanite’s rarity further enhances its appeal. Found only in the northern region of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, this gemstone is rarer than diamonds, adding an element of exclusivity to its intrinsic beauty. This scarcity, combined with its mesmerizing color changes and pleochroic properties, makes tanzanite a gemstone of exceptional value and desirability.
The Origins of Tanzanite
The story of Tanzanite’s discovery is as captivating as the gem itself. In 1967, Maasai herders stumbled upon stunning blue crystals in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania while tending to their livestock. Initially mistaken for sapphire, these crystals were later identified as a unique blue variety of zoisite.
Manuel d’Souza, a prospector notified by the herders, registered the mining claims for this new gemstone. Recognizing its potential, Tiffany & Co. began marketing the gem in 1968, renaming it Tanzanite to highlight its exclusive Tanzanian origin. This strategic branding played a crucial role in establishing Tanzanite’s place in the gemstone market and emphasizing its unique heritage.
In 1971, the Tanzanian government nationalized the Tanzanite mines, taking control of this valuable resource. The mines were later divided into four sections in 1990 to ensure more structured and regulated mining practices. Today, Tanzanite used in jewelry is sourced directly from Tanzania, ensuring authenticity and a strong connection to its origin.
Tanzanite’s Color Spectrum
Tanzanite is renowned for its strong trichroism, exhibiting a range of colors from violet to blue and brown. However, its natural reddish-brown state is often transformed into the more desirable violetish blue appearance through heat treatment. Heating Tanzanite at approximately 500 °C eliminates yellow hues, enhancing its blue coloration and making it even more visually appealing.
Rough stones are processed through heat treatment to achieve the desired color, but government restrictions on exporting rough stones have impacted the market dynamics. These regulations aim to foster a local cutting-and-polishing industry, though they have also led to smuggling issues and challenges for established businesses competing with lower-priced rough stones from independent miners.
The role of vanadium in Tanzanite’s coloration is significant. This element influences the stone’s color before and after heat treatment, contributing to its vibrant hues. The absorption spectrum of Tanzanite showcases a notable peak around 460 nm in its natural state, which diminishes after heating, resulting in the gemstone’s characteristic blue-violet color.
Optimal heating around 550 °C effectively removes specific yellow absorption bands, further intensifying Tanzanite’s blue and violet hues. This meticulous process ensures that each Tanzanite crystal reaches its full color potential, displaying a mesmerizing array of colors that captivate and enchant.
Tanzanite Varieties and Misconceptions
Tanzanite, a variety of zoisite, typically exhibits purplish-blue hues that distinguish it from other gemstones. However, there are misconceptions surrounding other colored zoisites being marketed as Tanzanite. For instance, green zoisite is often misidentified as ‘green Tanzanite,’ although it is a distinct variety highly sought by collectors.
Eye-visible inclusions significantly impact the value of tanzanite gemstones, especially in lighter colored stones where these inclusions are more apparent. Such inclusions detract from the gem’s overall quality, making clarity a critical factor in assessing the worth of tanzanite.
Other zoisite varieties, such as yellow and pink, are sometimes marketed under the Tanzanite name due to their rarity and aesthetic appeal, despite not being true Tanzanites. The term ‘fancy color Tanzanite’ is often misapplied to these colored zoisites, even though genuine Tanzanites are specifically blue to violet, including blue zoisite.
One of the rarest and most intriguing variants is the ‘Cat’s eye’ Tanzanite, which displays a unique optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy, making it highly valuable. The heating process that Tanzanite undergoes alters its pleochroism from trichroic to dichroic, showcasing distinct changes in color orientation and further enhancing its visual appeal.
Evaluating Tanzanite Quality
Evaluating the quality of Tanzanite involves assessing several key factors: tanzanite color, clarity, and carat weight. Tanzanite’s value increases with deeper saturation and vividness of color, particularly those with a dominant violet hue. The clarity of Tanzanite, much like diamonds, is graded from Internally Flawless to Included, with fewer inclusions generally making the stone more desirable.
Larger Tanzanite stones, especially those over 3 carats, are exceptionally rare and therefore command higher prices. Certification according to the Tanzanite International Grading Standard ensures that buyers can trust in the quality and authenticity of their purchase. This standardized grading system helps maintain the gemstone’s market value and provides assurance to investors and collectors alike.
Lab-Created Tanzanite and Disclosure
While synthetic Tanzanite does not exist in the market, there are several simulants and imitations that can be mistaken for the natural gemstone. One common imitation is cobalt-coated Tanzanite, which uses a thin layer of cobalt to mimic the blue-violet color of genuine Tanzanite. It is crucial for buyers to be aware of these imitations and to seek transparency regarding the origin and treatment of their gemstones. Reputable gemstone dealers and jewelers should provide certification and documentation to verify the authenticity of their Tanzanite. This ensures that buyers are investing in genuine, high-quality gemstones and not being misled by imitations.
Tanzanite Certification and Authentication
The Tanzanite Foundation, a non-profit organization, plays a vital role in ensuring the authenticity of Tanzanite gemstones. The foundation issues certificates of authenticity, verifying the origin, quality, and treatment of Tanzanite. Additionally, renowned gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) offer certification and authentication services for Tanzanite gemstones. When purchasing Tanzanite jewelry, it is essential to look for certification and documentation from these reputable organizations. This not only guarantees the authenticity and value of the gemstone but also provides buyers with confidence in their investment.
Tanzanite Jewelry: Tanzanite Rings and More
Tanzanite rings are often custom-designed to showcase the gemstone’s vibrant colors and unique beauty. Common cuts for Tanzanite include Cushion, Oval, and Trillion, each offering a different aesthetic to suit various design preferences. These cuts enhance Tanzanite’s natural brilliance, making each piece of jewelry a statement of elegance and sophistication.
Jewelry settings for Tanzanite frequently utilize precious metals such as yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. These metals complement the gemstone’s vivid hues, creating a harmonious and luxurious appearance. High-quality diamonds are often incorporated into Tanzanite jewelry to enhance the overall aesthetic, adding sparkle and contrast to the vibrant colors of the Tanzanite crystal.
Vintage-inspired designs are particularly popular, reflecting a timeless elegance that complements the beauty of Tanzanite. Whether set in a ring, necklace, or earrings, Tanzanite jewelry is cherished for its unique color and rarity, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Caring for Tanzanite Gemstones
Tanzanite is more fragile compared to many other gemstones, necessitating careful handling and maintenance to preserve its beauty. Protective mountings can shield Tanzanite from environmental factors that may cause damage, while storing the gemstone in a soft-lined jewelry box helps prevent scratches and other types of harm.
Utilizing separate compartments in a jewelry box prevents Tanzanite pieces from rubbing against each other, which can lead to scratches or other damage. Routine upkeep is essential to keep Tanzanite jewelry looking its best. Using specialized cleaners like Connoisseurs Dazzle Drops can effectively clean Tanzanite without causing damage, ensuring that the gemstone retains its luster and brilliance.
It’s also crucial to avoid harsh chemicals during cleaning, as they can compromise the integrity of Tanzanite. Regular maintenance and proper storage will help preserve the beauty and durability of Tanzanite jewelry for years to come.
Tanzanite Market Trends
Tanzanite prices are primarily driven by supply and demand, unlike diamonds, which are influenced by major companies controlling market supply. The limited supply of Tanzanite, coupled with ongoing demand, particularly from high-income consumers, is expected to drive prices higher in the future.
Emerging markets, especially China, are becoming significant players in the Tanzanite market, influencing future pricing trends. Despite this, current market trends show that prices for Tanzanite do not increase significantly across different carat weights, unlike other gemstones. The price per carat range for Tanzanite is estimated between $300 to $600, reflecting its relative affordability compared to other rare gemstones.
Estimates suggest that at the current production rate, Block C’s Tanzanite resources may be exhausted within 30 years, further driving up prices as the supply dwindles. These market dynamics make Tanzanite an intriguing prospect for both collectors and investors.
Investment Potential of Tanzanite: Tanzanite’s Rarity
The anticipated depletion of Tanzanite supply within the next 25 years is expected to dramatically impact its market value. Tanzanite’s rarity, combined with dwindling mineable resources, is likely to cause a significant increase in Tanzanite prices, making it a potentially lucrative investment. Unlike diamond prices, which are controlled by major industry players, Tanzanite pricing is directly influenced by supply and demand.
The market for Tanzanite is more volatile for lower grades, while the finest grades maintain their value due to their rarity and high demand. Emerging markets, particularly China, are influencing demand for Tanzanite and could impact its future pricing. As the supply decreases and demand remains strong, the investment potential of Tanzanite becomes increasingly attractive.
Tanzanite Mines and Sustainability
The Tanzanite Foundation, established in 2003, plays a crucial role in promoting ethical practices within the Tanzanite industry and supporting sustainable mining. The Tucson Tanzanite Protocol, created to ensure ethical sourcing, involves cooperation between the Tanzanian government and major industry stakeholders. This protocol ensures compliance with labor legislation, safety regulations, and best mining practices.
Tanzanite One Mining Ltd. is the largest producer, holding rights to Block C, which contains more deposits than the other blocks combined. Research indicates that if production continues at the current rate of 2.7 million carats annually, Block C’s Tanzanite reserves could be exhausted within 30 years.
These ethical and sustainable practices are essential to the long-term viability of the Tanzanite market and the preservation of this rare gemstone within the gem trade.
Summary
Tanzanite, with its unique beauty and rarity, stands out as a gemstone of exceptional value and allure. Its vibrant colors, trichroic properties, and fascinating origin story make it a cherished addition to any jewelry collection. As the supply of Tanzanite continues to dwindle, its value as an investment is poised to increase, offering significant potential returns.
By understanding the intricacies of Tanzanite’s color spectrum, quality evaluation, and market trends, readers can make informed decisions about purchasing and investing in this remarkable gemstone. Embrace the allure of Tanzanite and consider adding this rare and beautiful gem to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tanzanite stones worth anything?
Tanzanite stones hold significant value, typically ranging from $100 to $800 per carat, influenced by their color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Thus, they are certainly worth something to potential buyers.
What are the benefits of wearing tanzanite?
Wearing tanzanite offers multiple benefits, including boosting immunity, enhancing focus and self-confidence, and promoting positivity and luck. This gemstone can also aid in recovery from illness and improve overall well-being.
Who should not wear tanzanite?
Individuals not born in December may not experience the same benefits from wearing tanzanite, although technically anyone can wear it. Therefore, those outside this birth month may wish to consider their personal connection to the stone before wearing it.
Why was tanzanite banned?
Tanzanite was banned for export in its rough stone form to promote local processing and enhance Tanzania’s economy by fostering the development of cutting and polishing facilities. This legislation aims to increase revenue from the gemstone industry within the country.
What makes Tanzanite different from other gemstones?
Tanzanite is distinct from other gemstones because of its trichroic properties, which allow it to show different colors depending on the viewing angle, and its rare, exclusive origin in northern Tanzania.
