The bluish-violet stone known as Tanzanite is a form of the mineral zoisite. Found only near Mount Kilimanjaro, this exquisite gem symbolizes intuition, purity, and intellect. Its serene blue hue is also linked with calmness and peace. As a highly prized gemstone, Tanzanite is often transformed into stunning jewelry, including Tanzanite earrings and engagement rings. However, only the highest quality Tanzanite is suitable for fine jewelry, making proper grading essential.
Grading Tanzanite
Unlike diamonds, the price of Tanzanite is not primarily determined by its carat weight. While larger stones do generally command higher prices, other factors like the cut, color, and clarity significantly influence its value.
Color Grading in Tanzanite
Typically, Tanzanite appears in vivid blue or rich purple shades, and can display both hues along with flashes of red due to its pleochroic nature—meaning the gem shows different colors when viewed from different angles. The most valuable Tanzanite exhibits a deep violetish-blue color with hints of red pleochroism. Vivid Tanzanite is more desirable than paler stones, and blue or bluish-violet hues are especially popular.
To achieve this color, most Tanzanite is heat treated, as it is naturally brownish. Heat treatment is standard practice and should not deter you from purchasing Tanzanite, as most gems on the market undergo some form of heat treatment.
Clarity in Tanzanite
Tanzanite comes in various shapes, with oval and cushion being the most popular. However, the shape differs from the cut, which involves the stone’s shape and faceting. A quality cut is crucial for enhancing Tanzanite’s color and clarity, as well as showcasing its pleochroism. The cut determines how colors appear when the stone is viewed face-up, and careful cutting minimizes visible inclusions without significantly reducing carat weight. The best-cut Tanzanite appears bluish-violet rather than violetish-blue.
Carat Weight in Tanzanite
Larger Tanzanite stones are rare, given that the gem is found only in one location worldwide. As with most gems, larger Tanzanite exhibits more intense colors, while smaller stones are less vibrant. Although larger stones typically have higher prices, poor quality can detract significantly from a large gem’s value. Therefore, Tanzanite should not be chosen based solely on carat weight.
Tanzanite Grading Categories
Unlike diamonds, Tanzanite lacks a standardized grading system. However, it is often categorized as follows:
- Good: Pale gems with light violet to blue colors, potentially having minor visible inclusions. Suitable for entry-level fine jewelry.
- Better: Medium violetish-blue gems with slight visible inclusions without magnification.
- Best: The top 10% of Tanzanite, displaying vivid violet-blue colors with high brilliance. These stones are eye-clean and blemish-free.
- Heirloom: The top 1% in quality, showing rich, vivid bluish-violet colors with beautiful pleochroism. They possess excellent brilliance and clarity.
Pricing Tanzanite
Tanzanite’s price depends on multiple factors such as clarity and color rather than a single criterion. High-quality, heirloom-grade Tanzanite is exceptionally rare and therefore more expensive. A smaller stone of heirloom quality may be as costly as a larger low-grade Tanzanite. Prices can vary significantly, ranging from $50 per carat to over $800 per carat based on quality.
Why Choose Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is rarer than diamonds and originates from a single, limited source, making it an excellent investment. Its striking bluish-violet hue is similar to sapphire, a popular choice for engagement rings, but its pleochroism sets it apart by displaying different colors from various angles. For those attuned to its symbolic meanings, Tanzanite embodies clarity, calmness, and intuition.
FAQs
How to pick a good Tanzanite?
Choose Tanzanite with a vibrant bluish-violet hue and eye-clean clarity.
Do Tanzanites have inclusions?
Yes, Tanzanite can have inclusions, but most are only visible under magnification. Eye-clean stones are deemed suitable for jewelry.
What color is a good Tanzanite?
A good Tanzanite is well-saturated with a vivid bluish-violet or violetish-blue hue, and sought-after stones often have red flashes due to pleochroism.
Which is a good quality grade for a Tanzanite?
Heirloom is the highest quality grade, but Best, Better, and Good grades are also suitable for setting in jewelry.
