Complete Guide to Buying Tanzanite

Your Guide to buying the best Tanzanite

Overview

Tanzanite is an incredibly rare and beautiful stone found in only one place in the world - the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Due to its unique characteristics, high quality tanzanite is becoming increasingly sought after by jewelry collectors and gemstone enthusiasts. This guide will provide detailed information about the history, characteristics, and qualities to look for when buying tanzanite, to enable you to find the perfect piece for your collection.

Key features

  1. Color - Tanzanite has a wide range of colors from blue to purple, and even some yellow, green, and brown. Different colors can have different prices, so it's important to know what you're looking for before you purchase.
  2. Clarity - One of the biggest factors in determining the quality of Tanzanite is its clarity. Clarity can range from eye-clean to included. Be sure to check the clarity before buying.
  3. Cut - The cut of a Tanzanite stone is important as it affects the stone's brilliance and sparkle. Different cuts can also affect the price, so make sure to research before buying.
  4. Carat Weight - The carat weight of a Tanzanite is another important factor when purchasing. The carat weight determines the size of the stone, which can affect the price significantly.
  5. Certification - Tanzanite stones come with certifications from gemological laboratories such as GIA and IGI. This is important to ensure the quality of the stone.
  6. Price - As with any purchase, the price of the Tanzanite should be taken into consideration. Prices can vary greatly, so shop around to find the best deal.

See the most popular Tanzanite on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Tanzanite is a 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it resistant to scratches and breakage.
  • Beauty: Tanzanite has a unique violet-blue hue that can range in color from bright blues to deep purples and is highly desirable.
  • Longevity: Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, discovered in 1967, and is expected to remain in good condition for many years.
  • Price: Tanzanite is more affordable than many other precious gemstones, making it a great option for those looking for quality at a value price.

Cons

  • Price: Tanzanite is generally more expensive than other gemstones, making it more difficult to obtain unless the buyer has a large budget.
  • Durability: Tanzanite is relatively soft and delicate, making it vulnerable to scratches and chipping if not handled carefully.
  • Availability: Tanzanite is most commonly available in limited quantities, making it difficult for buyers to find the exact size, shape or color that they need.
  • Treatments: Many tanzanite gems on the market have been treated to enhance their color, so buyers should be aware of any treatments applied to the stone before finalizing a purchase.

Best alternatives

  1. Sapphire - A durable and hard gemstone, sapphires come in blue, pink, yellow, orange, and other colors.
  2. Ruby - A very hard gemstone that is often associated with love and passion, rubies come in a range of red colors.
  3. Emerald - A brilliant gemstone, emeralds come in deep green colors and are known for their vibrancy.
  4. Aquamarine - A translucent gemstone, aquamarines come in a range of blue hues and are known for their calming properties.
  5. Opal - A delicate gemstone, opals come in a range of colors and have a unique iridescent quality.

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Common questions

  1. What is Tanzanite? Tanzanite is a rare blue gemstone found in and exclusively mined in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
  2. Where can I find Tanzanite? Tanzanite can be found in jewelry stores as well as in online retailers.
  3. How can I tell if a Tanzanite gemstone is genuine? Tanzanite gemstones can be verified by their vivid blue-violet color and by having the gemstone lab certified.
  4. How much does a Tanzanite gemstone cost? The cost of a Tanzanite gemstone depends on its size, color, clarity, and cut. Generally, the cost can range from $25 to $2,500 per carat.
  5. Does Tanzanite come in different colors? Tanzanite can come in a variety of colors, such as violet, blue, gray, and yellow.
  6. Is Tanzanite a durable gemstone? Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable gemstone.
  7. Can Tanzanite be cut into different shapes? Tanzanite can be cut into a variety of shapes, including rounds, ovals, cushions, and pears.

Trivia

Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone, only discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was the first gemstone to be named after a country, and it was discovered by accident when a Masai tribesman stumbled across the blue-violet crystals while tending to his cattle. Since then, Tanzanite has become a popular gemstone and is now one of the most sought-after in the world. It is said that the entire world's supply of Tanzanite could fit in just one suitcase! Source: Gemsociety.org

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.