Everything You Need To Know About Tanzanite

Everything You Need To Know About Tanzanite : Due to its stunning deep blue color as well as the fact that it is typically only mined in East Africa, tanzanite is one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. While Tanzanite can be found elsewhere in the world, it is typically mixed with other gems and is not as valuable or regarded as true Tanzanite because of this. These genuine Tanzanite pieces are highly sought after by serious collectors around the world because many reputable Tanzanite sellers refuse to sell anything that they didn’t find themselves while on safari in Tanzania.

WHAT IS TANZANITE?

Tanzanite is a stone that was found in Tanzania in 1967, for those who are unfamiliar. Tanzanite’s unique purplish-blue hue makes it desirable for a variety of reasons, including as an investment opportunity, for its striking beauty, and for its high value as jewelry. It can be purchased anywhere in the world, but finding a reputable retailer can be challenging given the prevalence of scammers in the marketplace. Due to these problems, it might be a good idea to plan ahead if you want to find genuine Tanzanite while on safari or while visiting Tanzania.

WHERE DOES TANZANITE COME FROM?

It is a variety of zoisite and is referred to as a stone from East Africa, more specifically from Tanzania. It is created when intense heat and pressure cause zoisite to melt; however, unlike most other minerals, it does not turn into liquid and instead solidifies in the molten state, recrystallizing as tanzanite. Merelani Hills in the Arusha region of Tanzania are the only location where this kind of crystal structure can be found. Here, within rocks like granite, crystals form under conditions of intense pressure and heat. These minerals slowly crystallized over millions of years before finally changing into tanzanite about 100 million years ago.

HOW LARGE ARE TANZANITE GEMS?

Smaller stones are more common than larger ones in tanzanite, just like in all other gems. The majority of faceted tanzanites weigh less than five carats. Over fifty-carat stones are extremely rare. For use in commercial jewelry, small stones are typically cut into calibrated sizes. The most expensive ones are those with premium colors, and these are frequently used in custom or designer jewelry.

Large stones with superb color are extremely uncommon. Collectors, museums, and investors frequently buy these. Some are also employed in the creation of unique pieces of designer or custom jewelry. A tanzanite gem’s color is influenced by its size. The larger stone will appear to have a richer color if the two stones have equal saturation because the size of the stone affects how much light passes through it.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING TANZANITE?

When buying Tanzanite, you need to take a number of things into account. Looking at a picture of a rough stone will allow you to identify the majority of these elements. These components consist of cut, transparency, and color.

 Color:

When grading Tanzanite, color is arguably one of the most significant factors. Deep blue with hints of violet, orange, or gold produces the best colors. Even if a stone has good clarity and cut, it should be avoided if it appears too light or green. Heat treatment can change the color, so it’s important to pay attention to any heat stains on a stone.

Transparency:

The term “transparency” in reference to gemstones refers to how clear they appear when magnified 10 times by a microscope. A stone usually has a higher value the clearer it is. Avoid stones with excessive inclusions, cloudiness, and/or obvious flaws. If you can’t see through a stone completely, move on. If you’re looking to buy a stone as an investment, stay away from stones with obvious cleavage planes and fractures.

Cut:

Cut describes the shape of a stone. Avoid stones with high crowns and/or rounded edges, as well as stones that are too deep or shallow. When purchasing Tanzanite, it’s crucial to pay attention to the cut because all of these factors have the potential to have a negative impact on a stone’s cost, clarity, and sparkle. Most Tanzanites are faceted into ovals because of their size, but they can also be found in round, brilliant cuts.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN SHOPPING FOR TANZANITE IN EASTERN AFRICA WHILE ON SAFARI OR TOUR?

In order to buy tanzanite while on safari in eastern Africa, consider the following advice: Visit a reputable jeweler who can explain all of your options to you, including whether or not the color is natural (some less expensive gems have artificial colors added). Since tanzanite has grown to be such a well-liked gemstone, you can find it almost anywhere; therefore, you should always check out reliable sources before buying.

Check for certification before you buy anything; if an item doesn’t come with documentation attesting to its authenticity and worth, exercise caution. Even if a piece of fake jewelry appears to be a great deal, it is never worth the risk. When buying precious stones, you should never take a chance because, when closely inspected, they frequently resemble one another. Remember that genuine African tanzanite will always be a light blue or purple color, and examine each stone’s ability to reflect light as well as its other physical characteristics, such as how neatly each piece’s edges are carved. High-quality stones will reflect more light than low-quality ones.

You may have seen lovely dark blue stones that sparkle more than any other gemstone while on a safari in Eastern Africa. These are Tanzanite stones, which are highly prized for their beauty and color and have a special place in African history and culture. Don’t let these exquisite gems escape your notice.