Tanzanite is a remarkable gemstone, prized for its stunning blue-violet hues and unique allure. However, when it comes to its interaction with water, many people are uncertain about whether it’s safe for tanzanite to get wet. Understanding this aspect is crucial for proper care and maintenance of tanzanite jewelry. In this article, we’ll explore in detail the relationship between tanzanite and water, considering various factors that come into play.
Understanding Tanzanite
Its Composition and Properties
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite. Chemically, it contains elements such as calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, along with trace amounts of other elements that contribute to its color. Its crystal structure gives it certain physical characteristics.
It has a hardness of around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This means it’s moderately hard compared to some other gemstones, but still softer than diamonds (which have a hardness of 10). Its color can range from a light blue to a deep, rich blue-violet, often enhanced through heat treatment to bring out its best hues.
Origin and Rarity
Tanzanite is found only in a specific region near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, making it extremely rare. This limited geographical source adds to its desirability in the jewelry market. Miners extract it from the earth, and it then goes through a series of processes like cutting and polishing to transform it into the beautiful gemstones we see in jewelry pieces.
The Basics of Tanzanite and Water Interaction
General Reactivity
Tanzanite is generally considered to be stable when it comes to contact with water under normal circumstances. Plain water, like tap water or distilled water, doesn’t typically cause an immediate chemical reaction with tanzanite. It won’t dissolve or change its chemical composition just from brief exposure to water.
For example, if you accidentally splash some water on a tanzanite ring while washing your hands, it’s unlikely that the water alone will damage the gemstone in that short moment.
Absorption Capacity
However, tanzanite does have some ability to absorb certain substances from water or its environment over time. While it doesn’t absorb large amounts of water like a sponge, it can take in small molecules or ions present in water or substances dissolved in water. This absorption can potentially affect its appearance or properties if the absorbed substances are harmful or cause changes in its internal structure.
Different Types of Water and Their Impact
Tap Water
Tap water contains various minerals, chemicals, and sometimes even small amounts of impurities. In some areas, tap water might have higher levels of chlorine added for disinfection purposes. Chlorine can be slightly corrosive over time, and if tanzanite is frequently exposed to tap water with a significant chlorine content, it could potentially affect the gemstone’s surface.
For instance, if you wear a tanzanite pendant and often wash it under running tap water, the chlorine in the water might gradually dull the polish of the tanzanite or cause very minor etching on its surface after repeated exposures.
Saltwater
Saltwater, such as seawater or water from a saltwater aquarium, poses a different kind of risk. The salts dissolved in the water, mainly sodium chloride along with other trace salts, can be more reactive with the gemstone compared to plain tap water. When saltwater dries on the surface of tanzanite, it can leave behind salt residues.
These residues can attract moisture from the air and potentially cause corrosion or staining on the tanzanite if not promptly removed. If you were to wear tanzanite jewelry while swimming in the ocean and didn’t clean it properly afterward, you might notice a hazy appearance or discoloration developing over time.
Mineral Water
Mineral water contains various dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sometimes trace elements. While these minerals are usually present in small concentrations, repeated exposure of tanzanite to mineral water could lead to the deposition of these minerals on the gemstone’s surface.
This might not necessarily damage the tanzanite immediately but could affect its clarity and sparkle as the deposited minerals build up and make the surface look less smooth and clear.
Chemical-Containing Water (e.g., Pool Water)
Pool water often contains chemicals like chlorine and bromine to keep it clean and free from algae and bacteria. These chemicals are much stronger than those in tap water and can be quite harsh on tanzanite. The combination of the oxidizing agents in pool water and the exposure to sunlight in an outdoor pool can accelerate any potential damage.
If you wear tanzanite jewelry while swimming in a pool, there’s a risk that the chemicals will react with the gemstone, causing fading of its color, loss of its polish, or even creating small pits or scratches on its surface due to chemical reactions and the mechanical action of swimming movements.
How Water Exposure Affects Tanzanite in Jewelry Settings
Metal Settings and Water
When tanzanite is set in jewelry, the metal used in the setting can also be affected by water exposure and, in turn, impact the tanzanite. For example, if the setting is made of silver, silver can tarnish when exposed to moisture and certain chemicals in water. Tarnished silver can then release sulfur compounds that might react with the tanzanite or simply make the overall appearance of the jewelry piece less appealing.
In the case of gold settings, while gold is relatively more resistant to corrosion from water, alloys used in gold (like copper or nickel in lower karat gold) can react with water over time, and if there’s any loosening of the setting due to metal degradation, it could put the tanzanite at risk of falling out or getting damaged from movement or impact.
Prong and Bezel Settings
In a prong setting, where the tanzanite is held in place by small metal prongs, water can seep into the small gaps between the prongs and the gemstone. If any dirt or debris is also present in these gaps and gets wet, it can form a kind of paste that might be difficult to remove and could potentially scratch the tanzanite when trying to clean it.
In a bezel setting, where the gemstone is encircled by a metal rim, water can still get trapped inside if there’s any imperfection in the seal between the bezel and the tanzanite. This trapped water can cause issues like the growth of mold or mildew in rare cases if not dried out properly, which could then affect the gemstone’s appearance and quality.
Cleaning Tanzanite Jewelry After Water Exposure
Recommended Cleaning Methods
If tanzanite jewelry has gotten wet, it’s important to clean it properly to remove any potential contaminants. A gentle cleaning solution made of mild dish soap and warm water can be used. You should mix a small amount of the dish soap in a bowl of warm water and then use a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled brush (like a baby toothbrush) to gently clean the tanzanite and its setting.
Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running warm water to remove all the soap residue, and then pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the tanzanite or its setting.
Avoiding Damage During Cleaning
When cleaning, be careful not to apply too much pressure with the brush or cloth, especially around the edges of the gemstone where it meets the setting. Excessive force can cause scratches on the tanzanite or loosen the setting. Also, make sure to dry the jewelry completely, as any remaining moisture can lead to the problems mentioned earlier, like tarnishing of the metal or the growth of unwanted substances.
Long-Term Effects of Water Exposure
Fading and Color Change
Over time, repeated and prolonged exposure to certain types of water or water with chemicals can cause the color of tanzanite to fade or change. The chemicals in the water can interact with the trace elements in the gemstone that are responsible for its color, altering its hue. For example, exposure to chlorine in pool water might make the blue-violet color of tanzanite become lighter or develop a yellowish tint.
This color change can significantly reduce the value and aesthetic appeal of the tanzanite jewelry.
Surface Damage and Dulling
Water that contains abrasive particles, such as sand in seawater or dirt in muddy water, can cause scratches on the surface of tanzanite when it gets wet and the particles are rubbed against the gemstone. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the chemical components in water can dull the polish of tanzanite, making it lose its luster and sparkle.
A tanzanite with a scratched or dull surface won’t refract light as effectively, and its overall beauty will be diminished.
Precautions to Take Regarding Water and Tanzanite
Avoiding Unnecessary Water Exposure
To keep your tanzanite jewelry in the best condition, it’s advisable to avoid getting it wet unnecessarily. Remove your tanzanite rings, necklaces, or earrings before activities like swimming, bathing, or doing dishes where they’ll be in contact with water for extended periods or water with potentially harmful chemicals.
If you do accidentally get it wet during normal daily activities like washing your hands, make sure to dry it promptly with a soft cloth.
Storage and Protection
When not wearing your tanzanite jewelry, store it in a clean, dry place. You can use a jewelry box with individual compartments or soft pouches to protect it from dust, moisture, and potential scratches. Keeping it away from areas with high humidity, like a bathroom, can also help prevent any water-related damage over time.
Conclusion
While tanzanite can tolerate some level of water exposure under normal conditions, it’s not immune to the potential negative effects of water, especially when it contains chemicals, salts, or abrasive particles. Understanding the different types of water and how they interact with tanzanite, as well as taking proper precautions in terms of cleaning, storage, and avoiding unnecessary exposure, is essential for maintaining the beauty and quality of your tanzanite jewelry. By being mindful of these aspects, you can ensure that your tanzanite pieces continue to shine and display their captivating colors for years to come.
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