If you’re looking to buy a gorgeous gemstone, you’ll be delighted to learn about tanzanite.
This exquisite gemstone has a stunning blue color. So if you want to add some sparkle to your jewelry collection with a rare and valuable stone, it’s time to buy.
But, is tanzanite expensive? What is tanzanite and what sets its value so high?
We have all the answers here! So, read on!
Rarity
Tanzanite, found in only one location in the world – the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It displays a variety of unique colors and clarity which make it incredibly desirable to collectors and enthusiasts. Its rarity is what sets its value sky-high, as this stone is becoming increasingly difficult to source.
It was first discovered in 1967 and has been spiking in popularity ever since. Supplies are limited and this is why prices have been steadily increasing. Tanzanite is an irresistible stone that has become the centerpiece for an exquisite piece of jewelry. Its unparalleled beauty and scarcity make it a sought-after and highly valuable gem.
Unique Color
Tanzanite is an intensely colorful gemstone that is found in a mix of shades including blue, violet, and red. Its unique color is what sets the value of Tanzanite so high, and what makes it so desirable.
The actinolite in tanzanite refracts the gemstone’s distinct blue to purple color. Trichroism is the result of light being split into three angles, resulting in different colors from varying angles of viewing. The pleochroism of tanzanite means that the gemstone is colored at two perpendicular angles. All of these unique properties of Tanzanite contribute to its exceptional beauty and sky-high value.
Size and Clarity
Tanzanite’s size and clarity make it one of the rarest gemstones on the market, which makes it highly valuable. The larger and more clear the tanzanite, the more valuable it is. The larger stones are much more difficult to find, as they only exist in a few places in Tanzania.
The clarity of the stone also plays an important role in determining its worth. The clearer the stone, the higher the Tanzanite value is. A clear tanzanite is extremely rare and will be priced extraordinarily high.
Tanzanite with less clarity will still have some value depending on the size but it won’t fetch as high of a price as its higher clarity counterpart. Therefore the size and clarity of the tanzanite is what sets its value sky high.
Heating Enhancement
Heating enhancement is a process in which a gemstone is heated to very high temperatures to enhance its color and clarity. This process not only increases the tanzanite’s value but also adds to its visual beauty. As a result, tanzanite has become one of the most sought-after and most valuable gemstones on the market.
Here is a short step-by-step process of the tanzanite heating enhancement:
Selection of Rough Tanzanite and Inspection
The process begins with the selection of raw or rough tanzanite gemstones, which are usually blue to violet in color but may have a brownish tint. The rough tanzanite is cleaned and inspected to assess its quality, color, and potential for enhancement. Stones with desirable color but clarity issues are often chosen for treatment.
Preheating to Gradual Cooling
Before the actual heat treatment, the tanzanite is preheated to remove any surface impurities, moisture, or residues. This helps prevent cracks and uneven heating during the main treatment.
The tanzanite is then placed in a high-temperature furnace, usually set at temperatures around 600-800 degrees Celsius (1112-1472 degrees Fahrenheit). It is slowly heated over days or weeks.
After reaching the desired temperature, the tanzanite is slowly and gradually cooled down in the controlled environment of the furnace. This controlled cooling process helps minimize stress and cracks in the stone.
Color Enhancement and Quality Assessment
The heating process typically alters the color of tanzanite, turning brownish or greenish stones into vibrant blue or violet hues. This color change is often permanent and stable.
The tanzanite is examined to ensure that the desired color enhancement has been achieved and that the gemstone remains structurally sound.
Cutting and Polishing to Final Inspection
Once the heating enhancement is complete, the tanzanite is cut and polished into its final shape and design. This step is crucial in maximizing the gem’s beauty and brilliance.
The finished tanzanite gemstone is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets the desired quality standards. It is then ready to be set into jewelry or sold as loose gemstones.
Its heating enhancement has allowed tanzanite to shine brighter than ever before, setting its value sky-high and making it the perfect choice for diamond jewelry or any special occasion.
Market Demand
Tanzanite is known for its excellent transparency and high refractive index, which gives it exceptional brilliance and sparkle. The demand for Tanzanite has grown for several reasons:
Gemological Advancements
Over the years, gemological advancements and innovations in heat treatment techniques have made it possible to improve the color and clarity of many tanzanite specimens. This has increased its availability in the market and made it more appealing to consumers.
Marketing and Promotion
Tanzanite has been heavily marketed and promoted by the jewelry industry. It has been featured in high-end jewelry collections and is often advertised as a unique and luxurious gemstone, further increasing its demand.
Birthstone and Jewelry Trends
Tanzanite is one of the birthstones for December, which has helped boost its popularity and demand among people born in that month. Additionally, designers and jewelers frequently incorporate tanzanite into their creations, aligning with changing fashion trends.
Investment Potential
Some investors view tanzanite as an attractive investment option due to its rarity and increasing demand. This investment potential has driven interest and demand among collectors and investors alike.
Why Is Tanzanite Expensive?
So, is tanzanite expensive? We hope we did well in answering your questions! Tanzanite is one of the most rarest and cherished gems in the world and its sky-high value is sure to make you stand out.
Due to its sky-high worth, if you are looking for a sparkling gem to add to your jewelry collection, tanzanite is definitely the right fit for you. So, what are you waiting for? Get planning, and get your hands on this glorious stone!
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