Introduction

Imagine a gemstone that symbolizes transformation and spiritual growth. That’s tanzanite for you. It is believed to awaken your intuition, guiding you on a journey of self discovery and purpose. And if you’re an artist or an innovator, hold on because tanzanite is known to ignite your creative spark, fueling your imagination with new ideas. Tanzanite has a secret power called pleochroism. That’s a fancy way of saying it can show off different colors from different angles. It carries the shade of blue, hints of violet, and even a touch of burgundy, it’s like having a kaleidoscope of colors at your fingertips.

We will also delve into the four c’s of tanzanite. They are important factors in determining the quality and value of tanzanite, including color, cut, clarity, and carat weight  which we will discover deeply further.

The Four C’s of Tanzanite 

Color

Tanzanite is famous for its breathtaking blue color, which is often described as vibrant and mesmerizing. The gemstone ranges from a deep intense blue to a delicate voilet blue. The color of this stone is influenced by a few factors, including the presence of trace elements and the way light interacts with the gemstone. The most desirable colors are those with a rich, saturated blue hue, often referred to as “vivid” blue. The most special thing about tanzanite is that it's a pleochroic gem which says it shows distinctive color everytime when viewed in a different direction. The color of this stone can be affected by lighting conditions as well. In natural daylight, tanzanite tends to showcase its blue hues more prominently. Under incandescent lighting, it may lean towards a violet shade, under fluorescent lighting, it can appear more blue. 

When it comes to grading the color of tanzanite gemologists consider factors such as hue, tone, and saturation. The hue refers to the dominant color, which in the case of the dominant color, which in the case of tanzanite is blue. The tone refers to the darkness ot lighness of the color, and the saturation refers to the intensity of color 

Clarity 

Tanzanite is formed deep within the earth, and during its formation, various minerals and elements can become trapped within the crystal structure, which creates distinctive patterns and 

inclusions. These inclusions can range from tiny needle- like features to larger, more noticeable ones. However tanzanite is heat-treated to enhance its color and clarity. 

Most tanzanite gemstones available in the market have good to excellent clarity because of their proper heat treatment. Gemologists also use a grading system to access tanzanite clarity, ranging from flawless (no visible inclusions) to included (visions inclusions).

Cut

When it comes to tanzanite the most common cut is the cushion cut, which is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. This cut showcases the vibrant color and brilliance of tanzanite while also retaining its weight. Other popular cut styles of this gemstone include oval, round, emerald, and pear shapes. The quality of cut plays a significant role in the overall appearance of tanzanite. A well-cut tanzanite will reflect and refract light in a way that enhances its color and sparkle. 

Gem cutters take various factors into consideration while cutting tanzanite, such as its color, clarity, and rough shape. If you have noticed before, tanzanite is often cut to maximise its color, as its unique blue-voilet hue is one of its most sought after features. The cut can greatly influence how the color is displayed, with well-cut stones exhibiting intense and vibrant hues.

Carat Weight 

The price per carat of tanzanite tends to increase with the size pf the stone. This is because larger tanzanites are rarer and more valuable due to their scarcity. Though carat weight alone doesn’t determine the overall value of tanzanite. Its worth mentioning that tanzanite is often cut to maximise its carat weight while still showcasing its color and brilliance.

While choosing this stone, consider your personal preferences and budget. Smaller carat weight tanzanites can be more affordable and may suit different jewelry designs, while larger carat weights can create stunning pieces.

Tanzanite Buying Guide 

If you are thinking about buying tanzanite, here’s the factors which adds to the buying guide for this stone:

Choose a Reputable Seller

Its important to buy tanzanite froma trusted and reputable seller. Look for jewelers, or online stores with a positive reviews and a good track record.Consider the 4Cs

Just like other gems, tanzanite is also evaluated based on the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. 

Asks for Certificate

Request a gemstone certificate or grading report from a recogized gemological laboratory. This document provides important information about the quality and autenticity of the tanzanite. 

Set a Budget 

Determine your budget before buying the gemstone and stick to it. Tanzanite prices can vary based on the factors like size, color, and shape. Having a budget will help you make a more informed decision.