Tanzanite is amongst the world’s rarest gems. Discovered in the Meralani Hills of Northern Tanzania in 1967 by Henry Platt (ex president and chairman of Tiffany & Co.), this blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite is a popular and valuable gemstone when cut.
What makes Tanzanite an exceptional gem choice?
Trichroism
One of the most striking attributes about Tanzanite is its trichroism. Meaning it shows different colors when viewed in different directions; alternating between sapphire blue to exotic violet to sage-green depending on crystal orientation. When viewed under incandescent lighting, the very light sensitive Tanzanite can display flashes of red or pink within the stone. This “red flash” phenomenon of Tanzanite is also due to Tanzanite’s trichroism.
Rarity
Tanzanite deposits are only found in certain areas of Tanzania, no other precious stone in the world can lay such a claim. This limited source has fueled speculation that Tanzanite deposits are rapidly depleting and there is unlikely to be another source for Tanzanite anywhere in the world!
Exclusivity
Unlike diamonds and other precious gemstones, there is a limited amount of Tanzanite mined every year. The handful of companies and organizations that have been given permits to mine in Tanzania are imposed a restriction on the amount of Tanzanite that can be mined in a year. This makes Tanzanite one of the most exclusive gemstones available today.
Top quality Tanzanite colored stones are always difficult to get and is said to traditionally constitute only 1% of all production. As this precious gem grows exceptionally scarce, wouldn’t it be nice to own a piece of this rarity?
While Tanzanite could be the perfect investment opportunity, it also seems like a marketing hoax created to increase the value and attractiveness of the stone. Tanzanite comes from only one source in the world-Fact. While mining organizations have estimated that sources will deplete in a decade, experts predict that mines will expect to close in 20-30 years.
Prices of Tanzanite have tripled since 2003 and are still expected to rise as it gains more popularity. Unless another mine is discovered, prices will skyrocket and those who own top grade Tanzanite will definitely be in enviable position.
Universally, there is only one accepted official grading system for colored gems and that is the GIA system. Don’t be surprised if you come across other trade grades such as “AAA Tanzanite” and other trade based systems. Understand that these terms are often misused and could vary widely from its actual grade.
As with any other colored gems, color is the most important of the 4 c’s (color, clarity, cut, carat) when considering Tanzanite quality. Color is graded according to the combination of hue, tone and saturation. With all other factors being equal, the more saturated the color and hue, the more valuable the Tanzanite. The ideal tone would definitely not be too dark or light.
In a simple “word picture”, you would see that Tanzanite is an exotic, vivid blue gem, kissed by purple hues- absolutely enchanting!
Consumers still have many choices when selecting a tanzanite. Always work with a graduate gemologist when making such an investment purchase. He or she will help you select the gemstone that best suits your taste and your budget.
Filed under: Gemstones
by Jacq
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