Tanzanite is a gemstone that has enchanted the jewelry world with its captivating hues and unique charm. But before it undergoes the transformation through cutting and polishing to become the stunning gem we often see in jewelry pieces, it exists in its raw form. Understanding what raw tanzanite looks like is crucial for gem enthusiasts, miners, and those curious about the journey of this precious stone from the earth to adornment. In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of raw tanzanite’s appearance in great detail.
Geological Context and Discovery
Where It’s Found
Raw tanzanite is sourced exclusively from the Merelani Hills, which are located near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This specific region is part of the East African Rift System, where unique geological conditions converge to create an environment suitable for tanzanite’s formation.
The gemstone is found within certain metamorphic rocks in this area, and the mining process involves extracting these rocks to access the raw tanzanite crystals.
Discovery Story
Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 by a Maasai tribesman. He stumbled upon these unusual blue-violet crystals while herding his cattle in the region. Since then, the world has come to know and appreciate this remarkable gemstone. In its raw state at the time of discovery, it was just beginning to reveal its potential beauty to the outside world.
Crystal Structure and Form
Crystal Shape
Raw tanzanite crystals typically have a prismatic shape. They often form elongated columns with pointed ends. The length of these crystals can vary greatly, from just a few millimeters to several centimeters. Some may be short and stubby, while others can grow to be quite long and slender.
For example, a small raw tanzanite crystal might be only a couple of millimeters in length and look like a tiny, delicate rod, whereas a larger one could be several centimeters long and resemble a miniature pillar.
Faceting in Raw State
Unlike the faceted gemstones we see in jewelry, raw tanzanite crystals have natural, rough facets that are formed during their growth within the earth. These facets are not the precise, symmetrical ones created by human cutters but are instead the result of the crystal’s natural development.
They give the crystal a somewhat uneven and angular appearance. The angles and planes of these natural facets interact with light in a different way compared to polished facets, creating a unique visual effect even in its unpolished state.
Color in the Raw
Range of Hues
In its raw form, tanzanite displays a variety of colors, although it’s most commonly associated with blue and violet hues. The color can range from a very light, almost pastel blue with a faint violet undertone to a deep, rich blue-violet that is quite intense.
Some raw tanzanite crystals may also have a greenish tint, which is due to the presence of certain trace elements like chromium in addition to the main elements responsible for its characteristic color, such as vanadium. This greenish hue can be more or less prominent depending on the specific chemical composition of the individual crystal.
Color Distribution
The color in raw tanzanite is not always evenly distributed. There can be areas of more intense color concentrated in certain parts of the crystal, while other sections might be lighter. This uneven distribution can create interesting patterns and variations within the crystal.
For instance, one end of a raw tanzanite crystal might be a deep blue-violet, while the other gradually fades to a lighter shade, giving it a gradient-like appearance that adds to its natural allure.
Color Visibility and Clarity
The color of raw tanzanite can sometimes be affected by the presence of inclusions or impurities within the crystal. Inclusions are small flaws or foreign substances that are trapped inside the crystal during its formation. These can make the color appear less vibrant in some areas or give it a slightly cloudy look.
However, in many cases, even with inclusions, the characteristic blue-violet color still shines through, and it’s possible to see the potential beauty that can be enhanced through proper cutting and polishing.
Inclusions and Imperfections
Types of Inclusions
Raw tanzanite can contain various types of inclusions. Some common ones include small mineral grains that got incorporated into the crystal as it was growing. These might be visible as tiny specks or lines within the crystal. For example, there could be small particles of other minerals like mica or quartz present.
Fluid inclusions are also frequent. These are tiny pockets of liquid or gas that were trapped inside the crystal structure during its formation. Under magnification, they can look like small bubbles or droplets within the tanzanite.
Impact on Appearance
The inclusions can have both positive and negative impacts on the appearance of raw tanzanite. On the negative side, they can reduce the clarity of the crystal and make it look less transparent. In some cases, if there are a lot of inclusions clustered together, they can make the crystal seem dull or hazy.
However, from an aesthetic perspective, some inclusions can add a unique charm. They can give the crystal a natural, earthy look and tell a story about its formation deep within the earth. For certain collectors or those who appreciate the raw, unaltered beauty of gemstones, these inclusions are part of what makes raw tanzanite interesting.
Size Variations
Small Raw Tanzanite Crystals
Small raw tanzanite crystals are quite common. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or slightly larger, up to a few millimeters in size. These small crystals are often found in larger quantities within the mined rocks. While they might not be suitable for use as large centerpieces in jewelry on their own, they can be used in settings where multiple smaller stones are combined, like in pave settings or in some types of beadwork.
Their small size gives them a delicate appearance, and when grouped together, they can create a sparkly, textured effect that is quite appealing.
Medium to Large Crystals
Medium-sized raw tanzanite crystals typically range from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters in length. These are more likely to be used in jewelry pieces as individual stones or as focal points in smaller designs. They have enough size to showcase the beauty of the tanzanite’s color and crystal structure.
Large raw tanzanite crystals, which can be several centimeters long and have a significant carat weight, are quite rare. When found, they are highly prized as they can be cut into impressive gemstones for use in high-end jewelry, such as statement rings or elaborate necklaces.
Texture and Surface Appearance
Rough Surface
The surface of raw tanzanite is rough and uneven. It has a texture that reflects its natural growth within the rocks. There are often small bumps, ridges, and irregularities on the surface that result from the crystal’s interaction with the surrounding minerals and the forces acting on it during its formation.
When you hold a piece of raw tanzanite in your hand, you can feel these rough areas, which is a distinct contrast to the smooth, polished surface of a finished tanzanite gemstone.
Weathering and External Damage
Sometimes, raw tanzanite crystals can show signs of weathering or external damage. If they have been exposed to the elements or subjected to mechanical stress during the mining process or after being unearthed, there might be small chips, cracks, or abrasions on the surface.
These can affect the integrity of the crystal to some extent and may need to be carefully considered when determining its potential for cutting and use in jewelry. However, in some cases, minor damage can be removed or minimized during the cutting and polishing process.
Comparison with Other Gemstones in Raw State
Diamonds
In their raw form, diamonds are often found as rough, octahedral or cubic crystals. They are usually colorless or have a slightly yellowish tint in their natural state. Unlike tanzanite, which has its distinct blue-violet coloration, diamonds rely more on their clarity and the way they refract light to display their beauty even before cutting.
The surface of raw diamonds can also be rough, but they tend to have a more crystalline appearance with sharp edges and well-defined facets compared to the somewhat more irregular facets of raw tanzanite.
Sapphires
Raw sapphires can come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, yellow, and more. They typically have a more rounded or barrel-shaped crystal structure compared to the prismatic shape of tanzanite. The color in raw sapphires is often more evenly distributed than in some tanzanite crystals, and they may have different types of inclusions specific to sapphires, such as silk-like inclusions that give them a certain texture.
The surface of raw sapphires can be rough as well, but they have their own unique characteristics that set them apart from tanzanite when viewed in their unpolished state.
Emeralds
Raw emeralds are usually green in color, which is a result of the presence of chromium and vanadium in their chemical composition. They often form in hexagonal crystal structures and can have a somewhat cloudy appearance due to the presence of numerous inclusions. This is in contrast to tanzanite, where the inclusions might not always make it look as cloudy.
The texture of raw emeralds can also vary, but they have their own distinct look that differentiates them from tanzanite when comparing the two in their raw forms.
Significance of Raw Tanzanite’s Appearance
For Gemologists
Gemologists study the appearance of raw tanzanite to understand its quality and potential. By examining the crystal structure, color distribution, and inclusions, they can predict how the stone will perform when cut and polished. They use tools like magnifying loupes and gemological microscopes to analyze these aspects in detail.
This information helps in grading the raw tanzanite and determining its value in the market, as well as guiding jewelers on the best way to cut it to bring out its maximum beauty.
For Miners and Traders
Miners recognize the appearance of raw tanzanite to identify valuable specimens during the extraction process. They know which crystals are likely to yield high-quality gemstones and which ones might be less desirable. Traders also rely on understanding the appearance of raw tanzanite to assess its worth and negotiate prices in the market.
A well-formed, large, and colorful raw tanzanite crystal will command a higher price than one that is small, damaged, or has poor color quality.
For Collectors
Collectors are often drawn to the unique appearance of raw tanzanite. They appreciate the natural beauty and the story that the raw crystal tells about its origin and formation. Some collectors prefer to have specimens in their raw state rather than polished gemstones, as they find the rough, unaltered look to be more captivating and a reminder of the gemstone’s connection to the earth.
Conclusion
Raw tanzanite has a distinct appearance that is characterized by its prismatic crystal shape, a range of blue-violet (and sometimes greenish) colors with variable distribution, natural inclusions, and a rough surface. Its size can vary from tiny grains to large, impressive crystals, each with its own potential for transformation into a beautiful gemstone. Understanding what raw tanzanite looks like not only enriches our knowledge of this precious gem but also helps in various aspects of the gemstone industry, from mining and trading to the appreciation and collection of these remarkable natural treasures. Whether you encounter it in a mine, in a collector’s display, or as part of the journey towards a finished piece of jewelry, raw tanzanite offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of gemstones.
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