Sadly, geologists predict that the natural Tanzanite supply may be exhausted within the next two decades.
A Gorgeous Alternative – Synthetic Tanzanites
Fortunately, scientists have managed to create a beautiful imitation. While not a true synthetic (an identical copy), synthetic Tanzanite, often made from Forsterite, is an excellent mimic. To be considered synthetic, a material must have the same chemical and physical properties as the original. Due to this reason, some people refer to these as imitations rather than synthetics.
Natural Tanzanite formed 585 million years ago under a complex geological setting involving extreme heat and pressure. This process, which required tectonic plate movement and the heating and pressure of igneous rock, has not been replicated in a laboratory.
However, Forsterite, produced in Russia, closely mimics the appearance of purple Tanzanite. Other materials such as Cubic Zirconia, Synthetic Spinel, and Yttrium Aluminum Garnet have also been marketed as blue Tanzanite imitations. Although these synthetic varieties are not as popular as the rare natural Tanzanite, they offer a more budget-friendly alternative due to Tanzanite’s high market price.
Natural Tanzanite vs. Synthetic Tanzanite – What’s the Difference?
The complex formation process of natural Tanzanite involves minerals like zoisite and vanadium, a process and composition not replicated in laboratories. Thus, synthetic Tanzanite is created from different materials.
These materials include Forsterite, a type of garnet, coranite, and cubic zirconia. In some instances, colored glass is used to create imitation Tanzanite, though it is not recommended since the color is not an exact match to mined Tanzanite. Moreover, these materials generally lack the durability of natural Tanzanite. Synthetic or imitation Tanzanite usually has lower refractivity.
Identifying Natural vs. Synthetic Tanzanite
Refractivity offers a straightforward way to distinguish synthetic or imitation Tanzanite from the natural stone. Natural Tanzanite has a refractive index of 1.685-1.707, while Forsterite ranges from 1.63-1.67. Utilizing a refractometer can help gemologists determine this. A Hanneman Filter is another tool that reveals natural Tanzanite as pinkish-orange and Forsterite as green.
Without these instruments, here are some checks you can perform:
- Change your angle. Tanzanites exhibit pleochroism, meaning their color shifts when viewed from different angles. If your stone doesn’t display slight color changes from various perspectives, it might be synthetic.
- Try a different light. The pleochroism of Tanzanite is also affected by different lighting conditions. If you don’t notice a change in hue under natural and incandescent light, it could be synthetic.
- Look through a loupe. Use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect for typical inclusions found in natural Tanzanite. A flawlessly clear stone might indicate synthetic origins.
- Check for light refraction/reflection. Imitation Tanzanite often appears dull compared to the high refractive index and sparkle of natural Tanzanite. Low refraction indicating shallow sparkle points to an imitation.
Should you desire only authentic Tanzanite, investing in tools like a Hanneman filter or a loupe can be worthwhile. However, the angle or light tests may suffice if you’re open to imitation Tanzanite.
Care Tips for Tanzanite
Whether synthetic or authentic, proper care will keep your Tanzanite sparkling and brilliant. Tanzanite is comparably soft, especially against diamonds, and imitations might be less durable. Using protective settings and exercising caution when wearing Tanzanite jewelry can prevent chips or nicks. Additional care tips include:
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Tanzanite shouldn’t be exposed to strong chemicals, whether cleaning the jewelry or during other tasks.
- Don’t expose it to sudden temperature changes. Rapid temperature shifts and extreme heat can damage the stone.
- Use warm soapy water to clean. Cleaning your Tanzanite jewelry with warm water and dish soap helps, and a soft cloth can remove fingerprints.
- Don’t use an ultrasonic cleaner. Ultrasonic or steam cleaners may be too harsh and hot for Tanzanite.
- Consider re-polishing. If scratched, a jeweler can re-polish Tanzanite to restore its shine.
- Store your Tanzanite separately. Keeping it in its own pouch or box prevents other jewelry from scratching the gem’s surface.
Avoid wearing Tanzanite while gardening, using machines, or doing hands-on labor. Protecting your gem through careful handling will maintain its beauty.
