What Color is Tanzanite?

Hello, gem enthusiasts and curious readers! Let’s embark on a sparkling journey to discover the remarkable tanzanite gemstone. Just imagine, nestled deep in the heart of Tanzania, beneath the towering Kilimanjaro, lies the only place on Earth where you can find this incredible gem. A little hint of mystery, a dash of rarity, and oodles of captivating allure – that’s tanzanite for you!

Tanzanite, the birthstone for December, is genuinely a geological phenomenon. Discovered mere decades ago in 1967, it’s a relative newcomer to the world of gemstones, but it has undoubtedly made a grand entrance. Imagine this: tanzanite is about 1,000 times rarer than diamonds! Yes, you heard that right. It’s not only its scarcity, though, that’s worthy of attention, but also its mesmerizing color.

Let’s dive into the most intriguing aspect of this gem – its captivating color. Brace yourselves; we’re about to ride the color spectrum, exploring the hues and saturation of this beautiful gemstone. From the icy heights of Kilimanjaro to the vibrant colors reflected in tanzanite – we’re going to cover it all. So, join us on this colorful journey!

Basic Color of Tanzanite

Welcome to the crux of our tanzanite journey! The question of the hour is: What color is tanzanite? This question seems simple enough, but let me tell you, it’s like a hidden treasure chest – open it up, and you’re bombarded with many beautiful surprises.

Predominantly, tanzanite is celebrated for its deep blue-to-violet hue. This color is both vibrant and soothing at once. Imagine the deep ocean meeting the velvet night sky, and you’re probably picturing the delightful shade of tanzanite.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. Blue Tanzanite: The stunning blue color of tanzanite can range from a lighter sky blue to a deep, intense blue. The blue color is typically more pronounced under fluorescent light.
2. Violet Tanzanite: On the other side, the violet hue of tanzanite shines brightly under incandescent light. The best part? This violet hue often has a slight dash of burgundy, adding to its charm!

But wait, there’s more! Tanzanite has a little magic trick up its sleeve – it exhibits pleochroism. Now, you must wonder, “What on Earth is pleochroism?” Don’t worry; we’ve got all the answers in the next section. Stay tuned because it’s about to get even more exciting!

Pleochroism in Tanzanite

Next we dive into the fascinating world of pleochroism. Yes, it’s quite a mouthful. But don’t be intimidated by this fancy term. It’s a magical phenomenon that makes tanzanite even more appealing.

Pleochroism, in the simplest of terms, is the ability of a gemstone to display different colors when viewed from different angles. This means that tanzanite is a chameleon in disguise, showcasing a dazzling array of colors as you change your perspective.

But what colors does tanzanite display, you ask? Primarily, you’ll be treated to the following spectacle:

1. Blue: From the lighter hues of baby blue to the deep, enchanting tones of sapphire, tanzanite can offer you a broad palette of blue to feast your eyes on.
2. Violet: If you’re a fan of the subtle elegance of lavender or the rich depth of purple, tanzanite won’t disappoint. Its violet display is nothing short of a visual treat.
3. Burgundy: Yes, you read that right! In rare circumstances and from certain angles, tanzanite can also exhibit burgundy overtones, adding a unique charm to the stone.

Isn’t that just remarkable? With tanzanite, every angle is a new surprise, a fresh splash of color waiting to be discovered. It’s like having several gemstones rolled into one! The dance of tanzanite’s colors is a joy to behold, making it a gem that never ceases to amaze. So, let’s move forward in our journey, shall we? The colors of tanzanite have more secrets to unveil!

Tanzanite Vs. Sapphire: A Color Comparison

Okay, gem lovers, it’s time for a dazzling showdown! In this corner, we have the magical tanzanite with its pleochroic properties. And in the other, the ever-beloved sapphire, renowned for its deep blue hue. Are you ready to compare these two beautiful gemstones?

While tanzanite and sapphire can dazzle us with their blue hues, they’re not the same shade. So, how do they compare? Let’s take a closer look!

1. Tanzanite: As we’ve learned, tanzanite is quite the showstopper with its unique color display. It’s generally known for its deep blue color with a hint of violet. The color can change from a lighter blue to a deeper, intense blue and even violet, depending on the lighting and the angle from which you view it.
2. Sapphire: Now, when we think of sapphire, we usually imagine a rich, royal blue color. Sapphires, however, can range from a light, delicate blue to a deep, intense blue. Unlike tanzanite, sapphires do not usually display a violet hue.

So, while tanzanite and sapphire share a place in the blue spectrum, they each bring their unique hues and tones to the table. This is Just another reminder that there’s a world of variety and color to explore and appreciate when it comes to gemstones. Ready for more? We have plenty more color secrets to uncover as we continue our journey with tanzanite!

Color Variations in Tanzanite

Now that we’ve examined the rich blues and violets of tanzanite and even compared them to the splendid blues of sapphire, let’s venture further into the spectrum of color variations that tanzanite offers. Because, believe it or not, the surprises keep coming!

Did you know that tanzanite isn’t always blue or violet? That’s right! While these colors are the most favorite, more hues are hidden within this extraordinary gemstone. Here’s a peek into tanzanite’s colorful portfolio:

1. Blue to Violet: As we’ve established, this is the most common color range for tanzanite. Its beautiful blues and violets are its signature colors, fascinating gem enthusiasts worldwide.
2. Green Tanzanite: Green tanzanite is usually the result of smaller deposits of the mineral zoisite that haven’t been heated treated. These gems display a light to medium green color, adding an unexpected twist to the story of tanzanite.
3. Yellow Tanzanite: One of the newest varieties, yellow tanzanite stuns us with intense golden hues which distinguish it from other yellow gems.
4. Peacock Tanzanite: Mimicking the iridescent shimmer of the male Indian peafowl, peacock tanzanite transitions between bright greens and royal blues.

Now, how do these colors come to life? A lot depends on how light interacts with the gem. Whether you view tanzanite under fluorescent light, incandescent light, or sunlight can significantly influence the color you perceive. This adds another layer of depth to tanzanite’s already fascinating color variations.

Isn’t tanzanite just full of surprises? Every facet of this gemstone offers something new and exciting, from rich blues and violets to unexpected greens. And we’re only halfway through our journey! So, let’s carry on with our exploration, shall we? Who knows what other treasures we might discover!

Stability of Tanzanite’s Color

As we continue to unfold the fascinating world of tanzanite colors, we ask a critical question: Does tanzanite color fade over time? After all, it’s one thing to fall in love with the initial beauty of a gemstone but quite another to know that its splendor will endure the test of time.

Here’s the excellent news: Tanzanite is a stable gemstone, and its radiant color doesn’t typically fade over time. So, you can rest assured that the vibrant hues you fell in love with will stay brilliant for years to come!

However, there is a small caveat. Tanzanite can be sensitive to extreme heat. This means that the color could change if exposed to high temperatures. But don’t worry; under normal conditions and with proper care, your tanzanite should stay as beautiful as the day you first saw it.

Remember, while tanzanite is pretty robust in maintaining its color, it’s best to keep it away from high-heat sources just to be safe. If you take care of your tanzanite, it will dazzle you with its unique and captivating colors. We’ll uncover more delightful secrets about this gemstone’s color as we delve further into our exploration. Stay tuned!

Value and Color in Tanzanite

Now that we’ve explored the wondrous colors of tanzanite and their stability let’s dive into something equally exciting – the value of tanzanite. After all, every gem enthusiast is eager to know how the color of their prized possession affects its value.

The Best Tanzanite Color

While beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, some general guidelines in the gemstone world link color to value. Regarding tanzanite, the most valuable stones are those with a deep, saturated blue or violet hue. Think of a mesmerizing, intense blue with a delicate hint of violet – the perfect tanzanite color most collectors and jewelers covet.

1. Deep Blue-Violet Tanzanite: This is often considered the crème de la crème of tanzanite colors. It’s deep, it’s intense, and it’s enchanting.
2. Lighter Hues: While still beautiful, lighter-colored tanzanite stones are typically less valuable than their deeper-hued counterparts. But remember, more delicate tanzanite can still be breathtaking and is often favored for its unique charm.

But remember, value doesn’t only come from color. The gemstone’s overall clarity, cut, and carat weight also play significant roles in determining tanzanite’s value. And ultimately, the most precious tanzanite is the one that delivers joy.

So, whether you’re a fan of the intensely saturated hues or find beauty in the softer shades, there’s a Tanzanite gem out there waiting to capture your heart. Now, let’s venture forth and continue our exploration of the magical world of tanzanite colors!

Grading the Color of Tanzanite

As we approach the end of our journey, it’s time to delve into the realm of grading tanzanite’s color. After all, it’s one thing to marvel at the glorious hues of tanzanite and quite another to understand how those colors are evaluated and graded.

Similar to other gemstones, tanzanite’s color is graded based on three key factors: hue, tone, and saturation. But let’s break these down into simpler terms:

1. Hue: This refers to the actual color of the tanzanite. Is it more blue, or does it lean towards violet? The closer the hue is to a deep blue with a hint of violet, the higher the grading.
2. Tone: Tone is all about the lightness or darkness of the color. Tanzanite with a medium to dark tone is often deemed more valuable.
3. Saturation: This reflects the intensity of the color. Is it a faint blue or a vibrant, deep blue? Tanzanite with higher saturation (think vivid, intense colors) usually receives a higher grade.

But remember, these grading factors are guidelines rather than hard rules. Each tanzanite gemstone is unique, and the “best” color is ultimately the one you love the most! So whether you’re a fan of deep, intense blues or softer, lighter hues, there’s a Tanzanite out there just for you.

Now, with this newfound knowledge, you’re well-equipped to appreciate the magical colors of tanzanite. Ready to wrap up our colorful adventure? Let’s head to the final stretch of our journey!

Color Zoning in Tanzanite

As we near the end of our color expedition with tanzanite, one more aspect deserves our attention – color zoning. Now, what exactly is color zoning? Buckle up because we’ll add another layer to our understanding of tanzanite’s beautiful colors!

Color zoning refers to areas of different colors within a single gemstone. It’s as if the gem is flaunting multiple shades at once! This phenomenon is common in tanzanite and can contribute to its mesmerizing beauty.

Typically, in tanzanite, you’ll find blue and violet zones co-existing harmoniously within the same gemstone. This creates a stunning color display, especially when viewed from different angles.

The magic of color zoning is that no two tanzanites will exhibit the same pattern, making each gem unique. So, whether your tanzanite has a subtle color shift or a more pronounced one, you’ll always have a one-of-a-kind gemstone.

So, there you have it! A new layer of appreciation for the splendid colors of tanzanite. With this knowledge in your gemstone arsenal, you’re well-equipped to admire tanzanite’s rainbow colors. Are you ready for our final dash into the colorful world of tanzanite? Let’s go!

The Cause of Tanzanite’s Color

As we wrap up our journey, it feels fitting to end by answering an intriguing question: what causes the captivating colors of tanzanite? After exploring many aspects of tanzanite’s color, knowing the “why” behind it seems like the perfect finishing touch.

Tanzanite belongs to the zoisite mineral family. In its pure form, zoisite is colorless. The beautiful blues and violets we associate with tanzanite result from trace amounts of vanadium ions present in the mineral’s crystal structure. Fascinating.

However, another crucial step brings out the full spectrum of tanzanite’s color – heat treatment. Most tanzanite undergoes heat treatment to enhance its blue-violet hues.

Without these two key factors, tanzanite wouldn’t be the hypnotic gemstone we know and love. Isn’t it fascinating how nature’s subtle ingredients and human intervention create such vibrant beauty?

Celebrating Tanzanite Color

And there you have it! We’ve reached the end of our vibrant journey, exploring the captivating world of tanzanite’s color. From understanding the rich blue-violet hues that make this gemstone so unique to diving into the mysteries of color zoning, we’ve navigated through the magnificent color tapestry of tanzanite together.

In this expedition, we’ve discovered the following:

1. The multidimensional color of tanzanite showcases a spectacular dance of blue and violet hues.
2. The grading process and how color impacts tanzanite’s value.
3. The fascinating phenomenon of color zoning.
4. The significant role of vanadium ions and heat treatment in tanzanite’s color formation.
5. The importance of proper care to ensure the longevity of tanzanite’s brilliant hues.

Through our exploration, we’ve also learned that while guidelines and grading systems can guide us, the best tanzanite color is the one that brings you the most joy.

Thank you for joining us on this colorful adventure. We hope this exploration has enriched your knowledge and deepened your admiration for tanzanite and its vibrant colors. Until our next gemstone journey, keep your curiosity alive, your spirits high, and your world colorful!

Continue your journey with tanzanite jewelry from Shop LC.