Imagine holding a gem so rare it’s only found in one place on earth. Tanzanite, a mesmerising blue-violet crystal, is mined exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This unique gemstone has captivated jewellery enthusiasts and collectors alike since its discovery in the 1960s.
You’ll be amazed by Tanzanite’s vibrant hues, which can range from deep indigo to shimmering lilac. Its remarkable colour-changing properties, depending on the angle of light, make it a standout in the world of gemstones. Whether you’re a seasoned gem collector or simply intrigued by nature’s wonders, Tanzanite offers a fascinating glimpse into the earth’s hidden treasures.
Key Takeaways
- Exclusively Sourced: Tanzanite is a rare gemstone exclusively found in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, making it highly sought after in the gemstone market.
- Unique Properties: Tanzanite exhibits vibrant blue-violet hues and strong trichroism, showing different colours—blue, violet, and burgundy—when viewed from various angles.
- Popular Jewellery Uses: Tanzanite is cherished in jewellery designs, including engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets, often set in white gold or platinum to accentuate its colours.
- Care and Maintenance: Proper care involves gentle cleaning with soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals, and storing in soft pouches or cloth-lined boxes to maintain its beauty and longevity.
- Investment Potential: Tanzanite’s value is influenced by colour, size, and clarity. Its rarity and high demand enhance its investment potential, though market volatility and synthetic alternatives present considerations.
Understanding Tanzanite Crystal
Tanzanite, a unique gemstone, continues to fascinate due to its rare occurrence and captivating colour variations. Delving deeper into this extraordinary crystal unveils intriguing details.
The Origin of Tanzanite
Tanzanite originates from a small mining area located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Discovered in 1967, its exclusivity remains as it’s sourced from a mere 7 km stretch of land. The gemstone’s formation involves intense geological processes that subject the area’s minerals to extreme temperatures and pressures, creating Tanzanite’s distinct characteristics. Only found in this region, Tanzanite’s rarity enhances its allure and value in the gemstone market.
Unique Properties of Tanzanite
Tanzanite exhibits strong trichroism, showcasing different colours—blue, violet, and burgundy—depending on the viewing angle. This effect results from light passing through the crystal structure, absorbing and refracting in multiple ways. The gem’s vivid hues become more pronounced following heat treatment, which stabilises its colour. Rated 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Tanzanite is suitable for various types of jewellery but requires careful handling to avoid scratching. Its relatively low hardness makes it more susceptible to damage compared to harder gemstones like diamonds.
Where Tanzanite Is Found
Tanzanite is found exclusively in Tanzania, specifically in a small mining area near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Major Tanzanite Mines
Tanzanite mines are situated in the Merelani Hills, located in the Manyara Region of Northern Tanzania. This mining area, covering a mere 7 km stretch, is divided into four blocks: A, B, C, and D. Block C is the most renowned, accounting for the bulk of high-quality tanzanite output. Artisanal miners primarily operate in Blocks A and B, while Block D features both small-scale and larger operations.
Mining Process of Tanzanite
The mining process of tanzanite involves several stages. First, miners excavate vertical shafts, sometimes reaching depths of over 800 meters. These shafts provide access to horizontal tunnels where the tanzanite-bearing ore is extracted. Miners then transport the ore to processing facilities for sorting and separation. After locating tanzanite crystals, these are meticulously cleaned, sorted, and graded before undergoing heat treatment to enhance their vibrant colours. This multi-step process ensures that only high-quality stones reach the market while minimising damage to the fragile crystals.
Uses of Tanzanite in Jewellery
Tanzanite’s vibrant blue-violet tones make it a popular choice in various types of jewellery. This unique gemstone is cherished for its rarity and striking appearance.
Tanzanite in Engagement Rings
In engagement rings, Tanzanite offers a distinctive alternative to traditional diamonds. Its trichroic nature means it displays different colours when viewed from different angles, making each Tanzanite engagement ring unique. When deciding on Tanzanite for an engagement ring, ensure the stone is well-protected with prongs or a bezel due to its relative softness (rating 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale). Despite this, Tanzanite’s deep colours and brilliance can rival that of sapphires and other precious gemstones, providing an unforgettable symbol of love and commitment.
Popular Tanzanite Jewellery Designs
Popular Tanzanite jewellery designs include pendants, earrings, and bracelets, often set in white gold or platinum to enhance the gemstone’s blue-violet hues. In earrings, Tanzanite studs and drop designs showcase the gem’s captivating colours, while pendants often feature larger stones that serve as focal points. Bracelets with Tanzanite accents add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Vintage-inspired settings, halo designs with surrounding diamonds, and mixed gemstone arrangements incorporating Tanzanite are also frequently seen, offering versatility and luxury in fine jewellery collections.
Caring for Your Tanzanite Jewellery
Proper care for Tanzanite jewellery ensures its longevity and preserves its unique beauty.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Clean Tanzanite jewellery regularly to maintain its brilliance. Use a soft brush or cloth with warm, soapy water for gentle cleaning. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steamers since they can damage the gem. After cleaning, rinse under lukewarm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
For durable maintenance:
- Check settings and prongs occasionally to ensure the stone is secure.
- Inspect for scratches and chips; seek professional repair if needed.
- Keep away from harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine.
Storing Tanzanite Safely
Store Tanzanite jewellery carefully to prevent damage. Use a soft pouch or cloth-lined jewellery box. Avoid mixing with other pieces to prevent scratches.
For safe storage:
- Place in individual compartments or wrap in soft fabric.
- Keep in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.
- Use dehumidifiers in storage areas to control humidity levels.
Taking these steps helps protect the vibrant colours and integrity of your Tanzanite pieces.
Tanzanite’s Market Value and Investment
Tanzanite’s allure, unique to the gemstone world, extends to its market value and investment potential. Understanding factors influencing prices and weighing investment merits and risks is crucial.
Factors Affecting Tanzanite Prices
Several variables influence the price of Tanzanite. Colour, size, and clarity rank among the primary determinants.
Colour
The most sought-after Tanzanite displays a deep, vivid blue-violet hue. Stones with more intense colours command higher prices.
Size
Larger Tanzanite crystals fetch higher prices per carat. Stones exceeding 5 carats are especially rare, increasing their market value.
Clarity
Clarity affects price significantly. Tanzanite with fewer inclusions and higher transparency is priced higher.
| Factor | Influence on Price |
|---|---|
| Colour | Deep, vivid hues fetch higher prices |
| Size | Larger stones command higher prices per carat |
| Clarity | Stones with fewer inclusions and higher transparency are pricier |
Investing in Tanzanite: Pros and Cons
Considering Tanzanite as an investment has both advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
High Demand
Interest in Tanzanite has grown due to its rarity and beauty. Increased demand can elevate prices over time.
Limited Supply
Tanzanite is mined in a single region near Mount Kilimanjaro, contributing to its exclusiveness and potential for price appreciation.
Cons
Market Volatility
Gemstone markets can be volatile. Tanzanite prices may fluctuate based on market trends and economic factors.
Synthetic Alternatives
Advancements in synthetic Tanzanite production could affect the value of natural stones if buyers prefer affordable substitutes.
Understanding Tanzanite’s market dynamics and carefully evaluating investment options helps in making informed decisions.
Conclusion
Tanzanite’s allure and rarity make it a captivating choice for both jewellery enthusiasts and investors alike. Its unique colour-changing properties and limited supply add to its desirability, while understanding the factors affecting its market value can guide your investment decisions. Whether you’re drawn to its beauty or its potential for appreciation, Tanzanite offers a compelling opportunity. By considering the pros and cons and staying informed about market dynamics, you can make confident choices that align with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, known for its unique blue-violet hue and remarkable colour-changing properties. It’s highly prized in the world of jewellery for its beauty and exclusivity.
Where is Tanzanite mined?
Tanzanite is exclusively mined in the Mererani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. This area is the only source of Tanzanite, making it extremely rare and valuable.
How should I care for Tanzanite jewellery?
To care for Tanzanite jewellery, avoid exposure to high heat and sudden temperature changes. Clean it gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Store it separately to avoid scratches.
What factors affect Tanzanite’s market value?
The market value of Tanzanite is influenced by factors such as colour, size, cut, and clarity. Deeper blue-violet hues and larger, clearer stones tend to be more valuable.
Is Tanzanite a good investment?
Tanzanite can be a good investment due to high demand and limited supply. However, investors should be aware of market volatility and the presence of synthetic alternatives before making decisions.
What are the pros and cons of investing in Tanzanite?
Pros include high demand and limited supply, making Tanzanite potentially valuable. Cons involve market volatility and the risk of synthetic Tanzanite, which can affect resale value.
How does Tanzanite’s colour-change property work?
Tanzanite exhibits pleochroism, meaning it can show different colours when viewed from different angles. This unique property adds to its allure and distinctiveness.
Can Tanzanite be worn daily?
While Tanzanite is a relatively hard gemstone, it is not as durable as diamonds or sapphires. It is best worn occasionally and with care to prevent damage.
Are there synthetic alternatives to Tanzanite?
Yes, synthetic alternatives to Tanzanite exist and can be found in the market. These are created in laboratories and may not possess the same properties as natural Tanzanite. Always verify authenticity before purchasing.
How can I verify the authenticity of Tanzanite?
To verify authenticity, purchase Tanzanite from reputable jewellers who provide certification. Look for unique colour characteristics and consult a gemologist for professional evaluation.
