Introduction to Tanzanite Grading
Welcome to the fascinating world of tanzanite, a gemstone as intriguing as it is beautiful. Picture this: you’re standing in front of a dazzling array of tanzanite stones, each shimmering with a unique blend of blues and purples. It’s a situation many gem enthusiasts dream of. However, choosing the right stone can feel overwhelming with so many options. How do you know which piece of tanzanite is the best value for your money? How can you be sure of its quality?
This challenge is where the art and science of tanzanite grading come into play. Grading tanzanite involves a keen eye and knowledge of what makes this gemstone unique. For instance, fine cutting can increase tanzanite’s value by 5-15%! But what exactly should you look for? Is it the mesmerizing color, the clarity, or the size that matters most? And what about treatments and origin – how do they affect the stone’s value?
We’re here to answer these questions and more. In this article, we dive deep into the world of tanzanite grading. You’ll learn about the crucial factors that determine the quality and value of tanzanite, making you an informed and confident buyer or collector. Whether you’re a seasoned gemstone fan or new to the world of tanzanite, this guide will empower you to make the best choices. Let’s uncover the secrets behind making the grade in tanzanite grading.
The Basics of Tanzanite Grading
Tanzanite is a beautiful blue-purple gemstone. When we talk about grading tanzanite, we look at four main things: color, clarity, carat, and cut. These are known as the “four Cs.”
Color: This is all about how the tanzanite looks. Does it have a deep blue hue? Maybe it’s more purple. The best tanzanite has a bright and rich color. Think about how a clear sky looks just as the sun starts to set – that’s the color we love in tanzanite.
Clarity: Clarity means how clear the stone is. Imagine looking through a window. If the window is clean, you can see through it easily. That’s like a tanzanite with good clarity. But if the window is dirty, it’s harder to see through. Tanzanite with fewer spots or lines inside it is better.
Carat: Carat is about how big the tanzanite is. Bigger is sometimes better, but it can be more special because big, beautiful tanzanites are rare. It’s like finding a big, perfect seashell on the beach – it’s exciting because it’s not common!
Cut: The cut is how the tanzanite is shaped and made smooth. A good cut makes the tanzanite shine and sparkle. It’s like when you cut paper into a neat shape; if you do it well, it looks really nice.
Understanding these four Cs helps us know why some tanzanite is more special and valuable than others. It’s like being a gemstone detective, looking for the best and brightest stones!
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Shop LC Tanzanite Grading
We’re about to embark on a thrilling journey into tanzanite grading at Shop LC.
Shop LC uses a unique grading system for color, divided into four primary grades.
- AAAA – Less than one percent of all material makes this grade. We reserve this stone for the finest jewelry, such as the RHAPSODY collection. This grade may also be called Vivid.
- AAA – The general highest quality material available, reserved for the very best jewelry. It represents about five percent of all tanzanite. This grade has a strong representation of blue and violet, with intense flashes of burgundy. Find this stone in the ILIANA collection.
- AA – The standard jewelry grade of tanzanite. Still very blue to violet in color, the trichroic properties are not as high as those seen in ‘AAA.’ This grade comprises about 20 to 30 percent. This grade may also be called Premium.
- A – Lighter in color than ‘AA’ grade tanzanite, it may not possess all colors seen in the higher grades. The predominant color is lavender blue. This grade represents between 50 to 75 percent of the total tanzanite supply.
- AB – Stones of this grade possess a very faint light blue color. The lowest grade of tanzanite, it is also the most abundant. Shop LC does not use this grade.
Understanding this grading system is like being given a pair of magical glasses. They allow you to see tanzanite in a new light, helping you understand why a particular stone may capture your heart more.
Heat Treatment in Tanzanite
Heat treatment is a special process used on many tanzanite stones. It’s like a magic trick to make the colors in the tanzanite look even better!
What is Heat Treatment? Imagine baking cookies in an oven. Heat treatment is like that but for tanzanite. The gemstone is heated at a very high temperature. This isn’t something you can do at home – experts do it.
Why Heat Treat Tanzanite? When tanzanite is found in the ground, it often doesn’t have the beautiful blue or purple color we love. By heating it, the colors change and become brighter and more transparent. It’s like turning a dull pencil drawing into a bright, colorful painting.
Heat-Treated vs. Non-Heat-Treated Tanzanite: Most tanzanites are heat-treated because they look prettier. But some are naturally colorful without needing any heat. These are rare and can be more special. It’s like finding a four-leaf clover in a field of regular clovers.
Is Heat Treatment Safe? Yes, it’s safe! The process doesn’t harm the tanzanite. It just changes the color. Once it’s done, the color stays that way forever. It’s like when you color your hair, and it stays that color until it grows out.
Heat treatment helps bring out the best in tanzanite, making it one of the most loved gemstones. It’s incredible how a little heat can make such a big difference in how tanzanite looks!
Assessing Tanzanite Quality
We must look at a few essential things when we want to find out how good a tanzanite gemstone is. This helps us understand why some tanzanite stones are more special than others.
Looking at the Color: The color of the tanzanite is the first thing you notice in a painting. Is it more blue or more purple? The best ones usually have a deep, rich color, like the ocean on a sunny day. If the color looks bright and pretty, that’s a good sign!
Checking the Clarity: Clarity is about how clear the tanzanite is. It’s like looking through a window. If you can see through it without any marks or cloudy spots, it has good clarity. Tanzanite with fewer things inside it, like tiny lines or spots, is usually better.
Feeling the Cut: How the tanzanite is cut can make a big difference. A good cut will make the stone shine and sparkle. It’s like cutting out a star from paper – if you do it just right, it looks impressive. A well-cut tanzanite will catch the light and look beautiful.
Measuring the Size: Size is about how big the tanzanite is. We measure this in carats. Bigger tanzanite stones can be more special, but even smaller ones can be beautiful if they have good color and clarity.
The Setting and Light: The setting, or what the tanzanite is placed in, can change how it looks. Also, looking at it under different lights can help. Some tanzanite might look different in sunlight compared to indoor light. It’s fun to see how the colors can change!
We can tell a lot about a tanzanite’s quality by looking at these things. It’s like being a detective, but instead of solving mysteries, we’re discovering what makes each tanzanite unique and beautiful!
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Certifications and Tanzanite
When you buy a tanzanite, it’s like buying a special toy. You want to make sure it’s as good as it looks. That’s where certifications come in. They’re like a gold star sticker that tells you your tanzanite is exquisite.
What is a Certification? A certification for tanzanite is a paper that comes from experts. These experts have looked at the tanzanite closely and checked everything, like its color, clarity, cut, and size. This paper tells you that what you’re getting is what it says it is.
Why are Certifications Important? Certifications are necessary because they give you confidence. When you have this paper, you know that the tanzanite is just as exceptional as it’s supposed to be. It’s like having a teacher tell you you did a great job on your homework.
Types of Certifications: Different groups give out these certifications. Some are very well-known, and others might be less famous. But all of them have experts who know a lot about tanzanite. The more trusted the group, the better the certification.
Getting a Certified Tanzanite: When you buy a tanzanite, ask if it comes with a certification. This can make the tanzanite cost a bit more, but it’s often worth it. It’s like paying a little extra for a toy that you know is safe and good.
What if My Tanzanite Doesn’t Have a Certification? Not all tanzanite will have a certification, and that’s okay. Sometimes, smaller or less expensive stones don’t have one. But if you’re buying an exceptional and expensive tanzanite, getting one with a certification is a good idea.
Certifications help ensure that the beautiful tanzanite you’re getting is as fabulous as you expect. It’s a way of ensuring you’re happy with your special gemstone.
The Origin Factor
When discussing where tanzanite comes from, we look at its “origin.” This is like the hometown of the tanzanite. The place where tanzanite is found can tell us much about it and make it more memorable.
Tanzanite’s Unique Home: Tanzanite is found in only one place in the world – near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. This is like finding a rare flower that only grows in one special garden. Because it’s from only this one place, tanzanite is very unique.
Why Origin Matters: The origin of tanzanite is important because it affects how the stone looks and its quality. In Tanzania, the conditions are just right to make beautiful tanzanites. It’s like how certain places are perfect for growing the tastiest apples or the prettiest flowers.
Tanzanian Mines and Tanzanite Quality: Tanzania has different areas where tanzanite is mined. Some areas are known for producing tanzanite with bright colors or big sizes. It’s like different neighborhoods having different types of trees or plants.
The Story of Each Stone: Knowing where tanzanite comes from can also give it a remarkable story. It’s like knowing your favorite toy was made in a famous factory. It makes the tanzanite more exciting and special.
Protecting Tanzanite’s Origin: Because tanzanite only comes from Tanzania, people are working hard to ensure it is mined carefully. This helps protect the land and makes sure there will be beautiful tanzanite for a long time. It’s like taking care of a special garden so it keeps growing beautiful flowers.
The origin of tanzanite is a big part of what makes it so unique. It’s not just a pretty stone; it’s a gem from a fantastic place with its own story. That’s why tanzanite from Tanzania is treasured all over the world.
Common Misconceptions About Tanzanite Grading
When people talk about tanzanite, they sometimes get things mixed up. There are some common mistakes or misconceptions people have about tanzanite grading. Let’s clear those up!
Misconception 1: Tanzanite is Always Blue. Some people think all tanzanite is blue, but that’s not true. Tanzanite can be blue, purple, or a mix of both. It’s like thinking all apples are red when there are green and yellow ones, too.
Misconception 2: Bigger Tanzanite is Always Better. Bigger tanzanite stones are rare and can be more valuable, but that doesn’t mean they’re always better. A smaller tanzanite can be just as beautiful, especially if it has a great color and is transparent. It’s like finding a small but perfectly shaped seashell.
Misconception 3: All Tanzanite is Heat-Treated. Many tanzanites are heat-treated to improve their color, but not all. Some tanzanite stones have a naturally beautiful color without any treatment. It’s like some cookies are great without extra sprinkles.
Misconception 4: Tanzanite Grading is the Same as Diamond Grading. Even though tanzanite and diamonds both use the four Cs for grading, it’s not the same. Tanzanite grading puts more focus on the color, while diamond grading pays a lot of attention to clarity.
Misconception 5: Tanzanite is Always Expensive. Tanzanite can be expensive, especially if it’s big and has great color and clarity. But there are also more affordable options. It’s like shopping for clothes – there’s something for every budget.
By understanding these misconceptions, we can get to know tanzanite better. It’s a unique and beautiful gemstone with special qualities, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated!
Conclusion
As we’ve journeyed through the intricate process of tanzanite grading, it’s clear that understanding the four Cs – color, clarity, carat, and cut – is crucial in appreciating this rare gemstone. The uniqueness of tanzanite, from its singular origin near Mount Kilimanjaro to the enchanting color variations enhanced by heat treatment, adds to its allure. This knowledge enriches our appreciation of tanzanite and empowers us to make informed decisions, whether for investment, collection, or personal enjoyment.
The intricacies of tanzanite grading, from assessing its quality to understanding the impact of its origin, reveal a world where natural beauty meets human craftsmanship. Certifications offer a trusted guide in navigating this world, ensuring the authenticity and quality of our choices. The common misconceptions about tanzanite remind us that each stone carries its unique story, a blend of natural formation and expert refinement.
This exploration into tanzanite grading underscores the gemstone’s captivating journey from a raw, hidden treasure to a polished, sought-after jewel. As you embark on your tanzanite adventures, armed with this knowledge, remember that each stone is more than a mere object of beauty; it’s a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the skilled artistry of human hands. Tanzanite, in all its graded glory, offers not just a piece of jewelry but a slice of the earth’s story, waiting to be cherished and celebrated.
Updated November 15, 2023.
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