Tanzanite is a gemstone that has captured the hearts of many in the jewelry world with its captivating and unique hues. But when it comes to determining what color it should be, there are a variety of factors and considerations. In this article, we’ll explore the different colors that tanzanite can display, the ideal colors that are highly sought after, and how color influences its quality and value.
The Range of Natural Colors
Blue-Violet Hues
Tanzanite is most renowned for its blue-violet colors. In its natural state, it can exhibit a wide range of these hues. At one end of the spectrum, there are lighter, almost pastel-like blue-violet shades. These can give the gemstone a soft and delicate appearance, often reminiscent of a clear sky just starting to take on the colors of twilight.
The lighter shades might have a more dominant blue tone with just a hint of violet, making them look cool and serene. They can be quite charming in jewelry pieces designed for a more understated or feminine look.
Deeper and Richer Tones
On the other side of the color range, tanzanite can display deep, intense blue-violet colors. These are the shades that really make the gemstone stand out. The blue and violet blend in a way that creates a luxurious and eye-catching effect. A deep blue-violet tanzanite can have a mesmerizing allure, seeming to hold a depth within it that draws the viewer’s attention.
These richer tones are often associated with higher quality and are highly prized in the market. They can make a bold statement when set in jewelry, whether it’s in a ring as a centerpiece or in a pendant that hangs gracefully.
Greenish Undertones
Sometimes, tanzanite may also have a greenish undertone. This occurs due to the presence of certain trace elements, particularly chromium, in addition to the main elements like vanadium that contribute to its blue-violet color. The greenish tint can vary in intensity. In some cases, it’s barely noticeable, just adding a subtle touch of a different hue to the overall color mix.
However, in other specimens, the greenish undertone can be more prominent. While some people might find this unique and interesting, in the traditional market perception, a strong greenish tint can sometimes be seen as less desirable compared to a pure blue-violet color when evaluating the gemstone’s quality.
Ideal Color Characteristics
Color Saturation
The ideal tanzanite should have a high level of color saturation. Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of the color. A highly saturated tanzanite has a vivid and bold color that isn’t dull or washed out. For example, a deeply saturated blue-violet tanzanite will look like a rich pool of color, with the hues being vibrant and full of life.
When light hits a well-saturated tanzanite, it reflects back with a brilliance that showcases the beauty of its color to the fullest. This is one of the key factors that gemologists and jewelers look for when assessing the quality of the gemstone.
Color Uniformity
Another important aspect of the ideal tanzanite color is uniformity. The color should be evenly distributed throughout the stone. There shouldn’t be areas of lighter or darker patches that create an inconsistent appearance. In a top-quality tanzanite, whether it’s a small stone for an earring or a larger one for a ring, the blue-violet color is consistent from one end to the other.
This uniformity allows for a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look when the gemstone is set in jewelry. It ensures that the eye is drawn to the beauty of the color without being distracted by any irregularities.
Absence of Unwanted Tints
Ideally, the best tanzanite should have as little of the greenish or other unwanted undertones as possible. While a slight greenish hint might add a touch of uniqueness in some cases, a pure blue-violet color is generally considered more desirable. This is especially true when it comes to high-end jewelry pieces or for collectors who are looking for specimens that adhere to the most traditional and sought-after color standards.
A tanzanite without these extraneous tints appears more refined and showcases the classic beauty that the gemstone is known for.
Factors Affecting Color
Chemical Composition
The color of tanzanite is largely determined by its chemical composition. As mentioned earlier, elements like vanadium and chromium play crucial roles. Vanadium is mainly responsible for the blue and violet colors. The amount of vanadium present in the crystal structure can influence the intensity of these hues. A higher concentration of vanadium can lead to a deeper blue-violet color.
Chromium, on the other hand, contributes to the greenish undertones. The balance between these elements and others in the zoisite mineral (of which tanzanite is a variety) determines the final color that we see. Different ratios of these elements result in the various color variations that tanzanite can display.
Geological Formation Conditions
The conditions under which tanzanite forms deep within the Earth’s crust also impact its color. The temperature, pressure, and the surrounding minerals during its crystallization all play a part. For instance, if the temperature was within a certain range during formation, it might have favored the incorporation of more vanadium into the crystal structure, resulting in a more intense color.
The presence of specific minerals in the host rocks where tanzanite grows can also affect its color. These minerals can interact with the chemical elements involved in tanzanite’s formation, either enhancing or altering the color in some way.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is a common practice in the gemstone industry to enhance the color of tanzanite. By subjecting the gemstone to controlled heating processes, usually between 600 to 1000 degrees Celsius, its color can be improved. This treatment can intensify the blue-violet hues, make the color more uniform, and reduce any unwanted undertones like the greenish tint.
For example, a tanzanite with a slightly dull or uneven color can be transformed through heat treatment into a gemstone with a more vivid and consistent appearance. However, it’s important to disclose if a tanzanite has undergone heat treatment, as it can affect its value and market perception in some cases.
Color and Quality Grading
Gemological Institute Standards
Reputable gemological institutes like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have grading systems that take color into account when assessing tanzanite. These institutes evaluate the color based on factors such as saturation, uniformity, and the absence of unwanted tints.
They might classify tanzanite into different grades depending on its color quality. For example, a top-grade tanzanite would have a high level of saturation, excellent color uniformity, and a pure blue-violet color, while a lower grade might have a lighter or less consistent color with perhaps some visible greenish undertones.
Importance of Color in Quality Assessment
Color is a dominant factor in determining the overall quality of tanzanite. Along with clarity, cut, and carat weight (the other Cs of gemstone evaluation), it plays a crucial role in establishing the gemstone’s value. A tanzanite with an ideal color will command a higher price compared to one with a less desirable color, even if the other quality factors are similar.
In the market, consumers, jewelers, and collectors all pay close attention to the color of tanzanite when making purchasing decisions or evaluating its worth.
Color in Different Jewelry Applications
Engagement Rings
When it comes to engagement rings, the color of tanzanite is a significant consideration. Many people opt for a deep, saturated blue-violet tanzanite as it offers a unique alternative to the traditional diamond. The color can symbolize something special and romantic, and its beauty makes it a focal point of the ring.
A well-cut tanzanite with an ideal color in an engagement ring setting, whether it’s a solitaire or surrounded by smaller diamonds, can create a stunning and memorable piece that stands out from the more common choices.
Pendants and Necklaces
In pendants and necklaces, the color of tanzanite can enhance the overall look of the piece. A lighter blue-violet tanzanite might be used in a delicate necklace for a more casual or everyday elegance. On the other hand, a deep, richly colored tanzanite in a pendant can add a touch of luxury and glamour, making it suitable for special occasions or formal wear.
The color can be complemented by different metal chains, such as white gold for a cool and modern look that emphasizes the blue tones or yellow gold for a warmer appearance that brings out the violet undertones.
Earrings
Tanzanite earrings are a great way to showcase the gemstone’s color. Stud earrings with small, highly saturated blue-violet tanzanites can add a subtle yet charming touch to an outfit. Dangle earrings with larger tanzanite stones allow the color to be seen from different angles as they move, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect.
The choice of color in earrings can also depend on personal style and the occasion. Lighter colors might be preferred for a more understated look during the day, while deeper, richer hues can be chosen for evening wear or to make a bold statement.
Color Preferences and Trends
Cultural and Personal Preferences
Different cultures may have varying preferences when it comes to the color of tanzanite. In some cultures, a deep, intense color might be seen as more luxurious and symbolize wealth and status, while in others, a lighter, more delicate shade could be favored for its soft and feminine appearance.
On a personal level, individuals have their own unique tastes. Some might be drawn to the classic blue-violet color that conforms to the traditional standards, while others might be intrigued by the gemstone’s rarer color variations with a greenish undertone or other unique hues.
Market Trends
Market trends also influence the desired color of tanzanite. At times, there might be a higher demand for lighter, pastel-like colors if they are in fashion or associated with a particular style. Other times, the focus could shift back to the deeper, more saturated blue-violet tones that are considered timeless and of higher quality.
Jewelers and designers often keep an eye on these trends to create jewelry pieces that appeal to the current market preferences.
In conclusion, the color of tanzanite can vary widely, from light blue-violet to deep, intense shades, and sometimes with greenish undertones. The ideal tanzanite should have high color saturation, uniformity, and as few unwanted tints as possible. Color is a crucial factor in determining its quality, value, and how it’s used in jewelry. Whether it’s for personal adornment, a special occasion, or as an investment, understanding what color tanzanite should be helps in making informed decisions in the world of gemstones and jewelry. With its unique and captivating colors, tanzanite continues to hold a special place in the hearts of jewelry lovers and collectors alike.
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