If you haven’t ever seen tanzanite, it’s most comparable to a bright blue sapphire. Since its discovery the price of this stone has ranged from $20 to $1000, depending on the color and quality. However, it is a single-sourced gemstone and some predict that all of the tanzanite in the world will be mined out in 20 or 30 years. If this happens, tanzanite jewelry might increase in price and become more valuable.
About the Stone
In 1967, tanzanite was discovered in Tanzania. Legends say that a Masai tribesman found this special stone after a lightning fire. According to the legend, the heat of the fire transformed the brown stones to an amazing blue color. From this discovery, people realized that they could heat zoisite (an opaque brown mineral) to create tanzanite, and this process is what makes these stones transform into the beautiful blue hue you see in many pieces of jewelry.
Jewelry
Tanzanite can be found within many different jewelry pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. It is becoming increasingly popular to use this stone as an alternative to the traditional diamond stone placed in an engagement ring. Many people like wearing this special stone and consider it to be lucky.
Care
The gemstone is a little softer than quartz, and it can be mounted to any piece of jewelry. However, when it is placed in rings, no harsh wear is recommended. It is also important to avoid contact with high heat. To clean this stone, place it in soapy water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
Color
Although blue is the most common color for a tanzanite stone, some are more purple and others are more green. Depending on the light and angle, the color of the gem can change. Typically, blue-violet stones are the most common.
Value
Since blue-violet tanzanite stones are more common, they are less valuable. When the cut is made on these stones, the color changes. The bluer stones require a shorter cut, and this does not produce as high of a yield. For this reason, there are less blue stones and the price is usually higher.
Shapes
Like most gemstones, tanzanite is available cut into a variety of different shapes. The following are some of the most popular shapes for tanzanite jewelry:
* Trillion
* Heart
* Marquise
* Oval
* Pear
* Round
* Square
* Rectangular octagonal
* Rectangular cushion
Interestingly, tanzanite originates from “boudins” or sausage-shaped formations. Unfortunately, not every boudin is a source for high quality tanzanite jewelry. Some areas only have low-grade materials that are not suitable for jewelry. This is another reason why this stone is rare and unique. It’s surprising that more people do not appreciate its beauty.
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I found all this information on tanzanite to be very interesting and I shall look to see which pieces of,jewelry I might add to my collection.
Coincidentally, I just saw a nice tanzanite necklace in a local jewelry store last week. It’s a really pretty stone. The one I saw was a really pretty blue. Lovely.
It’s amazing the processes that go into the forming of gemstones and their unique colors. I love stones that seem to gleam with colors and life. I admit I had to look up what a trillion shape is. I really like blue gemstones and will have to look at more of these.
I’m not familiar with this stone. The bracelet is very pretty.
Very pretty stone. I have seen a lot of this kind of jewelry when we are on cruise ships as they are always trying to sell it. As with all jewelry, you should buy it because you love it and not for investment purposes. If I wore jewelry I would definitely consider buying a piece made with Tanzanite!
The featured bracelet is so lovely. I have never heard of this gem and am so impressed by the rich color. Interesting that the color can change depending on light and angle.
My mom’s fave color is blue so she’d like this stone. This looks very exquisite.
This lavender/lilac colored tanzanite is totaly my favorite gemstone. I love puple, but I’ve never really seen an amethyst shade that can compare to this. I’m saving up for a pair of oval blue-violet tanzanite earrings. Soooo pretty!!!!