What Color Is Tanzanite

Key Takeaway:

  • Tanzanite is a rare blue-violet gemstone found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, prized for its unique color and mineral rarity.
  • Tanzanite comes in varying shades of blue and purple, with the intensity of the color determined by the cut of the gemstone, lighting, and environment. Heat treatments can be used to enhance the color.
  • Designers and gemstone lovers prize tanzanite for its vivid color, cultural significance, and rarity. Its timeless beauty makes it a popular choice for jewelry, especially in engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary gifts.

Tanzanite – An Overview

Tanzanite - An Overview  - What Color Is Tanzanite,

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Walter Torres

Gemstone lovers, to understand tanzanite better, the rare and unique blue-violet gemstone from Africa, should consider its color, geology and mining history. This exotic gem has recently arrived on the market. It is a desirable semi-precious stone for both collectors and lapidary hobbyists. To uncover the mystery of tanzanite, we will explain its color and origin. Its vivid colors, luxurious quality, investment value and the legends surrounding it will be included.

Explanation of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a rare and luxurious ornamental stone. It is a violet-blue or purple-blue stone that has vivid colors, brighter than that of the sapphire. Discovered only in Tanzania, East Africa, this gemstone has an exclusive origin. Tanzanite is believed to be formed over 500 million years ago from metamorphic rock formation. Its blue color comes from the presence of vanadium and chromium atoms, whereas its purplish hue results from the presence of iron atoms in its crystal structure.

Interestingly, Tanzanite’s hues can vary depending on how it is cut, as well as its lighting and environment. The cushion- or oval-cut stones tend to display deeper blues with flashes of violet. On the other hand, lighter hues are evident in emerald cuts and brilliant round cuts.

While tanzanite’s color range leans towards deep blues and violets, heating treatment can enhance their saturation and depth through natural means. As for coating tanzanite gems with chemical film layers may change their colors entirely but unethical.

A significant characteristic feature of Tanzanite is its investment value. Due to scarcity and increasing demand over time, the prices have been steadily rising over time. In fact, Tanzanites are one thousand times rarer than diamonds! If you’re looking for a striking gemstone that is also an excellent investment opportunity, then look no further than the illustrious Tanzanite.

Move over blood diamonds, Tanzanite brings a new level of African gemstone rarity and myth to the jewelry world.

Origin of Tanzanite

Tanzanite’s Origin can be traced back to the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, where this unique African gemstone was first discovered in 1967. Predominantly a mineral rarity, tanzanite has gradually become one of the most sought-after gemstones over the decades.

As with any precious stone, tanzanite has its own set of myths and legends that date back to African history, reflecting its cultural significance amongst local tribes.

It is believed that tanzanite comes from an area where Maasai tribesmen herded cattle within the vicinity of Kilimanjaro. The African gemstone myth suggests that thunderbolts caused a fire in the region, which then heated the earth and transformed any stones in its wake into brilliant blue violet gems which have come to be known as Tanzanite. This local folklore and anthropology adds to the mystique surrounding this exquisite stone.

Unique details continue to grow about Tanzanite due to intense research on scientific data which reveals how this rare gem forms along geological fault lines created during seismic events. Known among these factors are pressure and temperature changes which cause rocks such as gneiss and schist to turn out Tanzanite deposits deep below ground level.

Data shows that Tanzania remains the only place on Earth where Tanzanite is found in commercial quantities. Fact – There is no other site known or recorded for commercial tanzanite mining anywhere else on the planet other than Merelani Hills in Tanzania.

Discover the rainbow of colors in this rare natural gemstone and add a touch of mineral rarity to your gemstone collection.

What Color is Tanzanite?

What Color Is Tanzanite?  - What Color Is Tanzanite,

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Philip Carter

Go beyond the surface and dive into the science and history of tanzanite’s color. Discover “The Science behind Tanzanite’s Color” and “The Different Shades of Tanzanite” for answers to your questions. Learn about the mineralogy, gemology, and heat treatment that influence its hue. Plus, find out about its amazing rarity! Look into how different shades of tanzanite have cultural importance from fashion to astrology, and how they are used in jewelry-making.

The Science behind Tanzanite’s Color

Tanzanite’s color is influenced by the mineralogy and gemology of the stone. Through a combination of factors such as chemical composition and crystal structure, this rare gemstone possesses a unique blue-purple hue that changes depending on the angle of illumination.

The Science behind Tanzanite’s Color
Chemical Composition
Crystal Structure
Mineral Inclusions
Light Absorption Spectra

Unique to tanzanite, its vivid blue hue can exhibit varying purple tones due to its crystal structure. Mineral inclusions can also contribute to a change in tanzanite’s color. When exposed to lighting at different angles, it showcases an array of color shifts making it an excellent addition for jewelry enthusiasts.

A private collection of over 100 fine natural, untreated tanzanites was found out when mining operations took place within four years in Tanzania. This discovery brought wonder to the world of gemstones and experts have since then conducted further studies on this rare gemstone.

From royal blue to rich violet, tanzanite’s different shades make it a favorite of designer jewelry and a symbol of royalty, cultural significance, and astrological power.

The Different Shades of Tanzanite

Tanzanite: A Spectrum of Colors

Tanzanite’s shades are determined by the mineral’s chemical composition and crystal structure. This precious gemstone can range from pale blue to deep violet depending on its depth, which is a significant factor in determining its tone and saturation.

To give you an idea of Tanzanite’s different hues, here is a table showcasing the seven most notable shade variations:

Shade Name Description
Pale Blue Almost colorless slate blue or light lavender undertones
Light Blue Crushed blueberries with lavender highlights
Violet Blue Cornflower blue with hints of pink and purple
Deep Blue-Violet Dark royal blue with violet flashes
Intense Violet-Blue Vivid, saturated imperial purple-blue
Pure Violet Rich velvet purple with a touch of red and blue tones
Bi-Color Tanzanite Two different colors side by side on the same gemstone

The cultural significance of Tanzanite can’t be overlooked; it symbolizes royalty for its resemblance to sapphire combined with its scarcity. Its deep royal blue hue reminds us of cushion-cut sapphires but comes at a fraction of the cost as this gemstone is rarer than diamonds.

Designer’s fascination with tanzanite has only grown as it becomes prominent in the fashion industry. Tanzanites are not just ornaments; they also hold astrological significance as December birthstones.

Pro Tip: When purchasing tanzanites, opt for stones that have eyes clean and no visible flaws. Changing the lighting and environment won’t change the fact that your poorly cut tanzanite gemstone still looks like a sad little rock.

Factors Influencing Tanzanite’s Color

Factors Influencing Tanzanite

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Harold Mitchell

To grasp why Tanzanite gemstones show various colors, it is important to look into the factors influencing its color. Our focus lies on tanzanite color. We will inspect the Cut of the Tanzanite Gemstone and how it relates to the rarity and value of this precious stone. Moreover, Lighting and Environment can boost or weaken the color of tanzanite. Knowing these factors is vital for gemstone appraisals and staying up to date with industry trends.

Cut of the Tanzanite Gemstone

The Impact of Stone Cutting on Tanzanite’s Appearance

Tanzanite gemstones are highly valued for their rarity and striking blue-violet color. However, it is not just the natural color of the stone that contributes to its value. The cut of the tanzanite gemstone can significantly impact its overall appearance and perceived value.

To understand this better, let us take a look at some data regarding how stone cutting impacts the cost and value of tanzanite:

Type Description
Cut Quality In general, more symmetrical cuts command higher prices in auctions.
Carat Weight Bigger stones command a higher per-carat price due to rarity.
Proportions Stones with ideal proportions – deeper or symmetrical receives more recognition in auction-house gemstones.
Shapes Fancy shapes such as ovals, pears, cushions are becoming more popular among buyers.

Stone cutting is an essential part of the gemstone industry trends. A well-cut tanzanite can enhance its inherent beauty dramatically. Depending on how skilled and experienced the cutter is, they can create various angles and facets which play a crucial role in generating sparkle, brilliance, and vividness of its color.

However, improper cutting techniques or equipment can negatively affect the stone’s appearance. An unproportionate cut will least likely be visually appealing to customers which may even lower its value. In contrast, professional stonecutting carefully produces ideal proportions for each specific stone to maximize beauty.

One fascinating aspect that sets tanzanite apart from other stones is that it appears different colors at different angles due to how it absorbs light[citation needed]. Appropriate arrangement of cuts maximizes this effect making it mystifying among customers.

Speaking about rarity in gems – larger cut-stones weigh more than smaller ones containing higher market demand which affects their price point considerably[citation needed]. In one instance, a 16.8-carat tanzanite sold for a record-breaking $3 million at a Christie’s auction due to its large size and ideal cut quality.

In summary, the cut of tanzanite gemstones can significantly impact their appearance and perceived value as valued stones increase both in rarity and in beauty.

Give tanzanite some good lighting and the color will shine brighter than Kim Kardashian’s diamond-encrusted phone case.

Lighting and Environment

The impact of lighting and environment can influence the color of tanzanite. Variations in lighting conditions can alter the perceived color of tanzanite. Similarly, different types of environments, such as natural or artificial, or indoor or outdoor settings, could also affect the stone’s appearance.

Different light sources possess different colors that can intensify or harmonize with the tanzanite’s hue. For instance, natural sunlight complements tanzanite’s blue-violet color and increases its intensity. Indoor lights tend to be warmer and may make the stone appear grayish-blue instead of blue-violet.

Gemstone appraisers often examine tanzanite gemstones under various lighting conditions to evaluate their color quality thoroughly. Gemstone industry trends indicate that customers are more likely to purchase a vividly colored tanzanite stone than a poorly colored one.

Interestingly, blue is the rarest shade found in Tanzanites naturally – primary colors such as yellow and green are common with hints of brown colour. If you’re interested in learning about why specific colours, trust our experts – they ensure that there is systemic improvement in this process over time.

Overall, taking care when evaluating your Tanzanite when exposed to different light sources will help you determine its true value and appreciate its unique beauty. Heating and coating tanzanite – making it hotter and shinier than your ex’s new partner.

Enhancing the Color of Tanzanite

Enhancing The Color Of Tanzanite  - What Color Is Tanzanite,

Photo Credits: colorscombo.com by Jack Lewis

Jewelers employ multiple techniques to bring out the natural beauty of tanzanite. Heating the gemstone is one way to increase its value. It’s popular due to tanzanite’s scarcity. A newer trend is to coat the gemstone, giving it a vibrant hue. This makes tanzanite ideal for engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary presents.

Heating Tanzanite

Tanzanite color can be enhanced through a process of heating. The heat treatment technique can improve the stone’s violet-blue appearance. Heating the tanzanite gemstone at high temperatures for a short duration strengthens its hue, tone, and saturation. This method is intended to produce a vivid shade to create an attractive piece of jewelry.

Heating Tanzanite brightens its tone and saturation creating vivid coloration while maximizing its value as a valuable stone. It is common practice that gemstones are heat treated, but it does not reduce their rarity or distinctive properties. Tanzanite color becomes more intense after heat treatment, which has become widely accepted in the industry to enhance its qualities.

Tanzanite’s rarity and unique composition make it challenging to find larger pieces with exceptional beauty often found by skilled mining techniques rarer varieties typically receive higher appraisals. This heating practice broadens the range of colors found within this already colorful gemstone; however, it won’t significantly affect its overall appraisal value.

A true fact – Some jewelers suggest gently exposing Tanzanite to hot water as this can improve clarity, strengthen color consistency and eliminate dirty spots from underneath the settings. (Source: Science Direct)

Why settle for a regular gemstone when you can coat your tanzanite and make it even more stunning for your engagement ring, wedding band or anniversary gift?

Coating Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a stunning gemstone that can be enhanced by coating. This process involves applying a thin layer of material to the surface of the gemstone to improve its color and durability. Coating tanzanite is a popular trend in the gemstone industry, especially for colored gemstones such as this one.

The coating process involves heating the gemstone and then adding a layer of material to the surface. The material used can vary, but usually includes materials like coatings made from titanium or other metals. These coatings can give tanzanite an attractive blue or purple shine, making it perfect for engagement rings, wedding bands, and anniversary gifts.

In addition to enhancing color, the coating on tanzanite creates a layer of protection against scratches and other damage. It also helps prolong the lifespan of the stone by preventing it from experiencing wear and tear over time. Jewelry boxes are ideal for keeping coated tanzanite safe when it’s not being worn.

When choosing a setting for your tanzanite jewelry, consider combining it with precious metals like gold or silver. Diamond accents can also help enhance its beauty. Tanzanite works well with both classic jewelry styles and more contemporary looks like boho or vintage jewelry.

In summary, coating tanzanite is an excellent way to improve its appearance and longevity; it is a popular trend in the gemstone industry because of its many benefits. If you’re looking for gift ideas or want to add some color to your collection, consider investing in coated tanzanite jewelry pieces today!

Five Facts About Tanzanite:

  • ✅ Tanzanite is a unique gemstone that is only found in one place in the world – the Mererani Hills of Tanzania. (Source: Geology.com)
  • ✅ The gemstone was first discovered in 1967 by Manuel de Souza, a Portuguese prospector. (Source: Gem Society)
  • ✅ The deep blue color of tanzanite can vary from pale blue to intense violet-blue, depending on the angle of light. (Source: GIA)
  • ✅ Tanzanite is relatively rare compared to other gemstones, with estimated reserves lasting for only a few decades. (Source: Jewelers of America)
  • ✅ In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association designated tanzanite as a December birthstone, alongside turquoise and zircon. (Source: AGTA)

FAQs about What Color Is Tanzanite

What color is tanzanite?

Tanzanite can vary in color from blue to violet to purple.

Is tanzanite a natural gemstone?

Yes, tanzanite is a natural gemstone that was first discovered in Tanzania in 1967.

Does the color of tanzanite affect its value?

Yes, the intensity and richness of the color can affect the value of tanzanite.

Can tanzanite change color over time?

It is possible for tanzanite to change color over time due to exposure to light and heat.

What colors can tanzanite be treated to?

Tanzanite can be heat-treated to enhance its blue color and remove any brown or yellow tones.

What other gemstones are similar in color to tanzanite?

Amethyst, sapphire, and blue topaz are all similar in color to tanzanite.

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