Tanzanite Hardness: How Durable is this Gemstone?

Tanzanite is a captivating gemstone with its striking blue-violet hue, which has made it one of the most popular gemstones in the world. Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, it is a relatively new gemstone in the market, having been discovered in 1967. With its beauty and rarity, many people wonder about the durability of tanzanite, especially when it comes to using it in jewelry. In this article, we will explore the hardness of tanzanite, its durability, and how to care for it.

What is Tanzanite?

Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, first identified by gemologist Campbell Bridges. It is known for its unique color, which can range from a deep blue to a purplish hue, often exhibiting a color-changing effect under different lighting conditions. Tanzanite is mostly faceted into gemstones and used in various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It is also popular in its bead form, with tanzanite beads being sold in various styles and sizes.

The Hardness of Tanzanite

The hardness of a gemstone refers to its resistance to scratching and abrasion, which is crucial for its durability in daily wear. Tanzanite ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which measures a material’s ability to resist scratching from other materials. This puts tanzanite in the medium range for hardness.

For comparison, diamonds are the hardest known material with a Mohs hardness of 10, while sapphires and rubies, both of which are considered very durable, rank at 9. This means that tanzanite is softer than these gemstones, making it more prone to scratching, chipping, or breaking if not handled properly.

While tanzanite is a relatively durable gemstone, it’s not as tough as other popular gems like sapphires or diamonds. This is an important consideration when choosing tanzanite jewelry, especially for pieces that will be worn daily, such as engagement rings or bracelets. Tanzanite’s fragility means that extra care must be taken to prevent damage.

Factors Affecting Tanzanite Durability

1. Cleavage: Tanzanite has perfect cleavage in one direction, meaning it can split easily along certain lines if struck with enough force. This makes tanzanite more susceptible to breaking or chipping compared to gemstones with less pronounced cleavage.

2. Cut: Tanzanite stones can be faceted or left in their natural form. Faceted tanzanite (like a round or oval cut) can help improve its visual appeal, but it also exposes the stone to the risk of damage if not cut properly. On the other hand, rough or natural tanzanite stones, while visually captivating, are generally more susceptible to damage.

3. Beads vs. Faceted Stones: Tanzanite beads, often used in necklaces or bracelets, are typically more resilient than faceted stones, as the round shape of the beads offers fewer edges that could chip or break. However, tanzanite beads still require careful handling, especially when strung into jewelry, to avoid putting too much pressure on any one bead.

How Durable is Tanzanite Jewelry?

Tanzanite is ideal for occasional or special occasion jewelry, but it may not be the best option for jewelry worn daily, such as engagement rings or bracelets that are subject to frequent impact. However, if tanzanite is set in protective settings (like bezel settings), the stone may be less likely to suffer from direct hits or scratches. Additionally, choosing tanzanite jewelry that features smaller stones or well-protected stones can increase its longevity.

Caring for Tanzanite Jewelry

To ensure that your tanzanite jewelry stays in good condition, it’s important to take some extra steps to protect it:

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Tanzanite is sensitive to chemicals like bleach, which can degrade the gemstone’s surface. It is important to remove tanzanite jewelry before handling household cleaners, swimming in chlorinated pools, or applying lotions or perfumes.

2. Proper Storage: When storing tanzanite, make sure it is kept in a soft pouch or separate compartment of your jewelry box. The stone can scratch easily, especially if stored alongside harder gemstones.

3. Gentle Cleaning: Clean tanzanite with warm water and mild soap, using a soft cloth or brush. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning, as these methods can be too harsh for the stone.

4. Avoid Impact: Always be cautious when wearing tanzanite jewelry. Remove rings or bracelets when engaging in activities where they might be exposed to high impact, such as sports or heavy lifting.

Tanzanite Price and Value

Tanzanite is considered valuable due to its rarity and beauty, but its cost is influenced by several factors. These include the quality of the stone, its color, size, clarity, and cut. High-quality tanzanite, especially those with deep, vivid blue or purplish hues, can fetch a high price on the market. The price per carat can range significantly, from about $300 to over $1,000, depending on the stone’s attributes.

If you’re looking to buy tanzanite, it’s essential to be aware of the various options available:

• Natural Tanzanite Stones : These are raw or uncut stones, which may have a more affordable price, but will need to be cut and polished by a professional.

 

• Faceted Tanzanite : These stones have been cut into specific shapes, such as rounds, ovals, or squares. Faceted tanzanite tends to be priced higher because of the added labor involved in cutting and shaping the stone.

 

 

• Tanzanite Beads : Tanzanite beads are often used in jewelry like necklaces and bracelets. While the price of tanzanite beads can vary, they are generally more affordable than larger tanzanite stones. Tanzanite beads for sale can be found in various qualities and prices, with wholesale tanzanite gemstone beads offering more cost-effective options for jewelers.

How to Determine If Tanzanite is Real

If you're wondering, "How can you tell if tanzanite is real?" there are a few simple tests that can help. Genuine tanzanite has a unique color and luster that’s difficult to replicate in imitation stones. A jeweler can also use a refractometer to check the refractive index of the gemstone, which is distinct for tanzanite. For the most reliable confirmation, always buy from reputable sources or trusted jewelers.

Conclusion

Tanzanite is an alluring gemstone with a unique color and rarity, but its moderate hardness means it requires careful handling and maintenance. Whether you're looking for a loose tanzanite stone, tanzanite beads, or a natural tanzanite jewelry piece, be sure to consider the durability of the stone based on its intended use. By taking the right precautions, your tanzanite jewelry can last for years and retain its captivating beauty.

When buying tanzanite, always consider factors like quality, price, and how much wear the jewelry will endure. From tanzanite for sale online to wholesale gemstone beads, there are many options available for both collectors and those seeking to add this beautiful stone to their jewelry collection.