Tanzanite is a truly captivating gemstone that has gained significant popularity in the world of jewelry. One of the most distinctive and alluring aspects of tanzanite is its color. However, its color is not a simple, single shade but rather a complex and fascinating range that makes it stand out among other gemstones.
The Base Color Range
Blue and Purple Hues
Tanzanite is primarily known for its blue and purple tones. The most common base colors range from a soft, light blue to a deep, rich violet. The blue can be reminiscent of a clear summer sky or the deep blue of the ocean, while the purple can vary from a delicate lavender to a more intense and regal purple similar to that of some amethysts. In many cases, tanzanite stones exhibit a combination of these blue and purple hues, creating a unique and eye-catching blend that is instantly recognizable.
Grades of Base Color
There are different grades when it comes to the base color of tanzanite. At the lower end of the quality spectrum, the color might be paler, with a more washed-out appearance. These lighter-colored stones can still have a certain charm but are generally less valuable than those with deeper, more saturated colors. As the quality increases, the blue and purple become more vivid and intense. Stones with a deep, pure blue or a rich, vibrant purple are highly prized and are often used in high-end jewelry pieces.
The Influence of Heat Treatment on Color
Why Heat Treatment is Done
Most tanzanite gemstones that are available in the market have undergone heat treatment. This is a common practice in the gemstone industry to enhance the color. In its natural state, tanzanite is often found with a brownish or yellowish undertone that can make the blue and purple colors less prominent. Heat treatment helps to remove these unwanted undertones and brings out the more desirable blue and purple hues.
Color Changes After Heat Treatment
After heat treatment, the transformation in color can be quite remarkable. A tanzanite that initially had a dull or muted appearance can turn into a stone with a bright and alluring color. For example, a stone that was a bit on the brown side might emerge from heat treatment with a beautiful, clear blue color. The heat causes changes in the internal structure of the gemstone at a microscopic level, which in turn affects how light is absorbed and reflected, resulting in the enhanced and more appealing color we associate with tanzanite.
Color Variations Based on Geographic Origin
Tanzanian Origin
Since tanzanite is primarily sourced from Tanzania, specifically the Merelani Hills in the north of the country, the stones from this region have certain characteristic color traits. Tanzanite from this area tends to have the most sought-after colors, with a wide range of blue and purple combinations. The unique geological conditions in the Merelani Hills contribute to the formation of gemstones with excellent color quality. The soil composition, temperature, and pressure during formation all play a role in determining the final color that the tanzanite exhibits.
Other Potential Origins
While Tanzania is the main source, there have been very rare instances of tanzanite-like gemstones being found in other locations. However, these stones usually have slightly different color characteristics. They might have a more muted color or lack the intense saturation that Tanzanian tanzanite is known for. The specific chemical makeup and formation environment in these alternative locations result in these variations, making Tanzanian tanzanite truly stand out as the premier source for the most desirable colors.
Color and Value Relationship
Higher Value Colors
The deeper and more saturated the blue and purple colors in tanzanite, the higher its value. A tanzanite with a pure, intense blue that rivals the color of a fine sapphire or a rich, deep purple similar to the finest amethysts commands a premium price. This is because these colors are not only visually stunning but also relatively rare. Jewelers and collectors alike are willing to pay more for tanzanite with such outstanding color qualities as they make for truly remarkable and unique jewelry pieces.
Lower Value Colors
On the other hand, tanzanite with lighter, less saturated colors or those with visible undertones that haven’t been fully removed by heat treatment are of lower value. These stones might still be used in more affordable jewelry or in pieces where the color isn’t the main focus, but they don’t have the same allure and investment potential as their more vividly colored counterparts. For example, a tanzanite with a pale blue that appears almost grayish would be priced much lower than a stone with a deep, vibrant blue.
Color in Different Lighting Conditions
Natural Daylight
In natural daylight, tanzanite reveals its true beauty. The blue and purple colors are at their most vivid and clear. The sunlight brings out the different shades and nuances within the stone, allowing you to fully appreciate the complexity of its color. Depending on the angle at which the light hits the gemstone, you can see flashes of different hues, adding to its overall allure. A tanzanite ring, for instance, will look especially captivating when worn outdoors on a sunny day.
Artificial Lighting
Under artificial lighting, such as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lights, the color of tanzanite can change slightly. Incandescent lights with their warm glow can sometimes make the purple tones in tanzanite appear more prominent, giving the stone a slightly different look compared to daylight. Fluorescent lights, on the other hand, might make the color seem a bit cooler or more blue-tinged. Understanding how tanzanite reacts to different types of artificial lighting is important for jewelers when displaying the gemstone in a store or for consumers when choosing the right lighting to showcase their tanzanite jewelry at home.
Candlelight
In the soft, warm glow of candlelight, tanzanite takes on a romantic and almost magical appearance. The colors blend and shift in a unique way, with the purple hues often becoming more pronounced and creating a dreamy effect. This makes tanzanite particularly well-suited for use in jewelry that might be worn on special occasions or in intimate settings where candlelight is present, like a dinner date or a wedding.
Color Pairing in Jewelry Design
With Diamonds
When paired with diamonds, the color of tanzanite really shines. The clear, colorless sparkle of diamonds acts as a perfect contrast to the rich blue and purple of tanzanite. In a ring, for example, a tanzanite center stone surrounded by small diamonds in the setting enhances the beauty of both gemstones. The diamonds make the tanzanite’s color appear even more vivid, while the tanzanite adds a pop of color to the overall design, creating an elegant and luxurious look.
With Other Colored Gemstones
Tanzanite also pairs well with other colored gemstones. It can be combined with sapphires, especially those of a lighter blue color, to create a harmonious blend of different shades of blue. When paired with pink gemstones like pink sapphires or pink tourmalines, the contrast between the warm pink and the cool blue-purple of tanzanite makes for a visually appealing and unique combination. In a necklace or a bracelet, mixing tanzanite with other gemstones in this way can result in a piece that is both colorful and stylish.
Color and Gemstone Clarity Interaction
Impact on Visual Appearance
The clarity of tanzanite, which refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and flaws within the stone, can interact with its color. In a tanzanite with excellent clarity, the color appears more uniform and vibrant throughout the gemstone. There are no internal obstructions to disrupt the flow of light, allowing the blue and purple hues to be showcased to their fullest. However, in a tanzanite with visible inclusions, the color might seem a bit muddled or less intense in areas where the inclusions are present.
Value Consideration
When assessing the value of tanzanite, both color and clarity are taken into account together. A stone with a beautiful color but poor clarity will be less valuable than one that has both excellent color and clarity. For example, a tanzanite with a deep blue color but numerous visible inclusions might be priced lower than a stone with a slightly lighter but clearer blue color. The combination of these two factors plays a crucial role in determining the overall desirability and worth of the tanzanite gemstone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the color of tanzanite is a complex and captivating aspect that defines its beauty and value. From its base blue and purple hues to the variations caused by heat treatment, geographic origin, and different lighting conditions, every aspect of its color contributes to its unique charm. Whether it’s being used in a simple piece of jewelry or a luxurious, high-end design, understanding the color of tanzanite helps us fully appreciate this remarkable gemstone.
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