Tanzanite, a mesmerizing gemstone, has captivated the world with its captivating hues since its discovery in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Known for its distinctive blue and violet shades, tanzanite has become a coveted gemstone for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. However, not all tanzanite is created equal, and understanding what color tanzanite is most valuable is essential for both investors and admirers of this unique gem. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the factors that determine the value of tanzanite, explore its varying colors, and unveil the secrets of what makes one shade more valuable than another.
The Allure of Tanzanite
Tanzanite’s allure lies in its stunning array of colors, and it is these colors that ultimately dictate its value. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and exhibits a range of colors from blue to violet. In some instances, it can even display brown or grayish hues. However, not all tanzanite colors are created equal when it comes to their desirability and worth.
The Factors That Define Tanzanite’s Value
To determine what color tanzanite is most valuable, several key factors come into play:
Color: The most critical factor in valuing tanzanite is its color. A rich and vibrant blue, often described as “sapphire blue,” is the most valuable. This blue should have a delicate violet undertone. The deeper and more intense the blue, the more valuable the tanzanite becomes. However, too much violet can lower its value, making the ideal balance between blue and violet a delicate one.
Clarity: Clarity, or the presence of inclusions, is the second most important factor. Inclusions are natural imperfections found within the gem. The fewer inclusions tanzanite has, the more valuable it is. A high-quality tanzanite should be relatively free of visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye.
Cut: The gem’s cut is another crucial factor. A well-cut tanzanite maximizes its brilliance and enhances its color. A poorly cut gem may appear lackluster or dull, regardless of its underlying color and clarity.
Carat Weight: As with many gemstones, larger tanzanites are generally more valuable than smaller ones. However, the other factors, particularly color, can outweigh the size when determining overall value.
Now that we’ve highlighted the primary factors that affect a tanzanite’s value, let’s explore the spectrum of tanzanite colors and understand which hues are the most sought after in the market.
The Spectrum of Tanzanite Colors
Tanzanite’s color spectrum ranges from blue to violet, with a delicate balance that determines its worth. While a broad spectrum of colors can be found, not all of them possess the same allure or value. Let’s take a closer look at the various colors tanzanite can exhibit and their desirability:
1. Blue Tanzanite with a Violet Undertone
This is the most sought-after and valuable color for tanzanite. The ideal tanzanite should have a pure and vivid blue hue with a hint of violet. This combination creates a mesmerizing color that is often described as sapphire blue with a touch of violet, and it is highly prized in the gemstone market. The violet undertone adds depth and dimension to the gem, making it exceptionally attractive to collectors and connoisseurs.
2. Pure Blue Tanzanite
While a pure blue tanzanite is valuable, it may not command as high a price as the blue tanzanite with a violet undertone. Nonetheless, it is still considered an excellent choice for jewelry and holds a significant value in the market. Pure blue tanzanite can range from light to deep blue, and the deeper shades are typically more sought after.
3. Violet Tanzanite
Tanzanite with a predominantly violet hue is less common but can still be quite valuable, especially when the violet is rich and well-saturated. Some collectors and enthusiasts prefer the more violet-heavy tanzanite, appreciating its unique and distinct coloration.
4. Blue-Green Tanzanite
Tanzanite can sometimes exhibit a bluish-green color. While this color is less common and may not be as valuable as the ideal blue or violet tones, it can still be attractive to those who appreciate its individuality.
5. Brown or Grayish Tanzanite
Brown or grayish tanzanite is less valuable than its counterparts with pure blue and violet hues. These shades are less appealing for jewelry purposes and are often less sought after by collectors. However, some individuals may find these colors appealing for their distinctive and unconventional appearance.
Determining Value Through Color Grading
To pinpoint what color tanzanite is most valuable, gemologists and the jewelry industry use a standardized color grading system. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) employs a grading scale for tanzanite color that includes the following categories:
Exceptional – This category is reserved for the most coveted tanzanites with a pureblue hue and a strong violet undertone. These gems are extremely rare and command the highest prices.
Vivid – Tanzanites in this category exhibit a strong blue color with a noticeable violet undertone. They are highly valued for their vivid and appealing coloration.
Intense – Intense tanzanites have a well-saturated blue color with a discernible violet or purple component. While not as rare as exceptional or vivid tanzanites, they are still considered valuable.
Moderate – Tanzanites in this category may display a blue or violet hue, but the color saturation is not as strong as in the higher categories. They are less valuable than the more vivid colors but can still be attractive.
Weak – This category encompasses tanzanites with pale or faint blue or violet colors. They are less valuable and not as desirable for most consumers.
Grayish or Brownish – Tanzanites with brown or grayish undertones are considered less valuable and fall in this category.
In summary, the most valuable tanzanite colors are those falling into the “Exceptional” and “Vivid” categories, exhibiting a strong blue hue with a pronounced violet undertone. As one moves down the grading scale, the value decreases as the color saturation becomes less intense and less desirable.
Other Factors That Impact Tanzanite’s Value
While color is the primary factor influencing tanzanite’s value, it is essential to consider other aspects that contribute to the gem’s worth:
Clarity: As mentioned earlier, a tanzanite’s clarity is another crucial determinant of its value. Gems with minimal inclusions or imperfections are more valuable than those with visible flaws. A gem with excellent clarity will exhibit greater brilliance and appeal.
Cut: The quality of the tanzanite’s cut significantly affects its beauty and, subsequently, its value. A well-proportioned and expertly faceted gem will maximize its color and brilliance, making it more valuable.
Carat Weight: While size is not as critical as the other factors, larger tanzanites are generally more valuable than smaller ones. However, the gem’s size should be balanced with other attributes, particularly color and clarity, to determine its overall value.
Rarity: The rarity of a particular color or combination of colors can impact a tanzanite’s value. For instance, tanzanite with an exceptional and rare coloration, such as a pure blue with intense violet undertones, will command a premium in the market.
Origin: Tanzanite’s origin from the Merelani Hills in Tanzania is also a factor that can influence its value. Tanzanite from this specific region is considered more valuable due to its history and the unique geological conditions that produced these gems.
When selecting tanzanite for jewelry, consider the following:
Personal Preference: Your personal taste and style play a significant role in choosing the right tanzanite color for your jewelry. If you’re drawn to the rich sapphire-blue tanzanite with a violet undertone, that’s a perfect choice. Alternatively, if you appreciate the uniqueness of violet-heavy tanzanite, it can also create stunning jewelry.
Budget: Your budget is an important consideration. While exceptional and vivid tanzanites are the most valuable, they are also the most expensive. Depending on your budget, you may opt for a lower grade of tanzanite that still exhibits a beautiful color and clarity.
Jewelry Design: The design of your jewelry piece can influence your choice of tanzanite. The gem’s color should complement the overall design and aesthetics of the piece.
Matching Stones: If your jewelry design incorporates multiple tanzanite stones, it’s important to select gems with similar color and quality to ensure a harmonious appearance.
Enhancements: Be aware of any treatments or enhancements applied to the tanzanite you choose for your jewelry. While treated tanzanite can be stunning, ensure that it meets your expectations and is accurately represented by the seller.
Setting and Metal: The choice of metal for your jewelry setting, such as white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, can affect the appearance of tanzanite. Consider how the metal complements the gem’s color.
Whether you’re buying tanzanite for its intrinsic beauty or its investment potential, the right choice of color and quality can make your jewelry piece truly special.
Conclusion: The Value of Tanzanite’s Color
Tanzanite’s enchanting colors are what make it a sought-after gemstone for both jewelry and investment. The question of what color tanzanite is most valuable ultimately leads us to the vivid blue with a violet undertone, the most prized hue in the tanzanite world. Understanding the factors that contribute to a tanzanite’s value, including its color, clarity, cut, carat weight, rarity, and origin, is essential for those who wish to invest in or appreciate the beauty of this remarkable gem.
Whether you’re drawn to tanzanite’s captivating colors for their aesthetic appeal or their potential for investment, tanzanite remains a gem of enduring allure and beauty. Its rarity, the geological conditions that birthed it, and its unique coloration ensure that tanzanite will continue to be a treasured gem for generations to come.
