Tanzanite, a mesmerizing gemstone known for its captivating violet-blue hues, has been captivating the hearts of gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its rarity and unique color make it a highly sought-after gemstone. However, not all tanzanite is created equal. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of tanzanite and explore the defining characteristics that make up the best quality tanzanite.
The Origin of Tanzanite: The Beginning of a Journey
Before we dive into the details of what constitutes the best quality tanzanite, it’s essential to understand its origin. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and was first discovered in Tanzania, near the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, in the late 1960s. Its discovery marked the birth of a new gemstone sensation.
Tanzanite’s geological formation is a complex process that involves the metamorphism of zoisite crystals over millions of years. During this transformative journey, various factors come into play, ultimately determining the gem’s quality.
Color: The Heart of Tanzanite’s Beauty
When it comes to tanzanite, color reigns supreme. The finest tanzanite displays a vivid, saturated blue-violet hue that is often described as “electric” or “intense.” This remarkable color is a result of the presence of vanadium and sometimes chromium in the gem’s composition. The depth and richness of the color play a crucial role in defining the best quality tanzanite.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades tanzanite color on a scale from “Exceptional” to “Poor.” The best quality tanzanite falls within the “Exceptional” category, displaying a captivating blue-violet color that is neither too dark nor too light. The gem’s color should be evenly distributed throughout, with no visible zoning or color concentration.
Clarity: The Window to Tanzanite’s Soul
Tanzanite’s clarity refers to the presence of internal and external flaws, often referred to as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The best quality tanzanite is characterized by exceptional clarity, where these imperfections are minimal and do not affect the gem’s overall beauty.
Inclusions in tanzanite can take various forms, including feathers, crystals, or even color zoning. While some inclusions may be visible under magnification, they should not be prominent to the naked eye. A high-quality tanzanite gemstone is virtually free from any distracting inclusions, allowing its inner brilliance to shine through.
Cut: Crafting Tanzanite’s Brilliance
The cut of a tanzanite gemstone plays a pivotal role in maximizing its beauty. A well-executed cut can enhance the gem’s color, clarity, and overall visual appeal. The best quality tanzanite is cut with precision to maximize its brilliance and color saturation.
The most common cut for tanzanite is the oval or cushion cut, which complements the gem’s natural crystal shape. However, tanzanite can also be found in other shapes, including round, emerald, and pear. Regardless of the shape, the facets should be symmetrical and well-proportioned to allow for optimal light reflection and refraction.
Carat Weight: Balancing Size and Quality
Tanzanite, like most gemstones, is sold by weight, measured in carats. While larger tanzanite gemstones are often prized for their impressive size, the best quality tanzanite is not solely determined by carat weight. It is essential to strike a balance between size and quality.
Smaller tanzanite gemstones that exhibit exceptional color, clarity, and cut can often command higher prices than larger stones with lower quality. Collectors and enthusiasts of fine gemstones understand that the best quality tanzanite is not solely defined by its size but by its overall visual appeal and rarity.
Rarity and Ethical Sourcing: The Best Quality Tanzanite’s Journey to Market
In addition to its intrinsic qualities, the best quality tanzanite is also defined by its rarity. Tanzanite is found in only one place on Earth: the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. This limited geographic origin adds to its allure and exclusivity. However, the journey of tanzanite from mine to market also raises ethical considerations.
Ethical sourcing is a critical aspect of defining the best quality tanzanite. Responsible mining practices that prioritize worker safety, environmental preservation, and fair wages are essential. Furthermore, gemstone buyers should seek tanzanite that has been sourced through legal and transparent channels to ensure its legitimacy and ethical integrity.
Tanzanite Enhancement: Heat Treatment and Its Impact
It is essential to address the issue of tanzanite enhancement when discussing the best quality tanzanite. Most tanzanite on the market undergoes heat treatment, a common practice in the gemstone industry. This treatment is used to improve the gem’s color by heating it to a specific temperature.
The best quality tanzanite often begins with high-quality rough material that responds well to heat treatment. The treatment enhances the gem’s natural color and eliminates undesirable brown or gray tones. When done professionally and transparently, heat treatment can significantly improve a tanzanite’s color without compromising its integrity.
Assessing Tanzanite Quality: Certification and Expert Evaluation
To confidently identify the best quality tanzanite, it is advisable to seek certification from reputable gemological laboratories. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are well-known organizations that assess and certify tanzanite and other gemstones.
Certification provides valuable information about a tanzanite’s characteristics, including its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This documentation is crucial when buying or selling tanzanite, as it offers an unbiased evaluation of the gem’s quality.
In addition to certification, seeking the expertise of a qualified gemologist or jeweler is advisable. These professionals can provide an in-depth assessment of a tanzanite’s quality and help buyers make informed decisions.
Investing in Tanzanite: A Consideration for the Future
As the best quality tanzanite continues to garner attention from collectors and investors, it is worth considering its potential as an investment. Tanzanite’s rarity and limited supply from a single source make it an appealing choice for those seeking alternative investments in the gemstone market.
However, it is crucial to approach tanzanite as a long-term investment and to exercise caution. Like all gemstones, tanzanite prices can fluctuate, and market conditions may change. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with experts in the field and consider the gem’s intrinsic qualities, including color, clarity, and rarity, when making investment decisions.
Caring for Tanzanite: Preserving Its Beauty
To ensure that the best quality tanzanite retains its beauty for generations to come, proper care and maintenance are essential. Tanzanite is relatively durable, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but it is not impervious to damage.
To care for tanzanite jewelry, it is best to:
Avoid harsh chemicals: Tanzanite can be sensitive to chemicals commonly found in household cleaning products. Remove tanzanite jewelry when using such substances.
Store it carefully: Store tanzanite jewelry in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratching or damage from other jewelry items.
Regularly clean it: Clean tanzanite jewelry with a mild detergent and a soft brush, ensuring that any dirt or residue is removed gently. Rinse it in warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
Minimize exposure to heat: Avoid exposing tanzanite to extreme heat, as it can affect the gem’s color and clarity.
Check settings: Periodically inspect the settings of tanzanite jewelry to ensure that stones are secure and settings are intact.
The Legacy of Tanzanite: A Gem of Distinction
In conclusion, the best quality tanzanite is a gem of unparalleled beauty, rarity, and mystique. Its breathtaking color, exceptional clarity, precise cut, and ethical sourcing collectively define its distinction. Whether as a treasured piece of jewelry or an investment, tanzanite continues to captivate the hearts of gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
As you embark on your journey to discover the best quality tanzanite, remember to seek certification from reputable gemological laboratories, consult with experts, and prioritize ethical sourcing practices. By doing so, you can ensure that your tanzanite gemstone not only enchants the eye but also carries with it a legacy of responsible stewardship and timeless beauty.
