Tanzanite is usually either blue-dominant, or violet-dominant. Though personal preference should be considered before making a tanzanite purchase, it is generally accepted that blue-dominant tanzanite is a better option from an investment point of view, as it is more rare and likely to yield a higher return.
Having said that, tanzanites with a dominant blue color are considered to be the most valuable of the lot. This is primarily because the blue variety is quite rare and is, therefore, more likely to yield a higher return (from the investment point of view).
Tanzanite value ranges between $100 to $800 per carat depending on factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (more on that later).
In general, the more saturated the color of tanzanite is, the more valuable it becomes, as the demand for the deep royal blues is high. Too much saturation, however, and tanzanite can become too dark, especially in a larger gem.
Some people have heard of green Tanzanite but the wonders of oranges, yellows and the very rare pinks are not known to most people. Their very rarity and the fact that they are so seldom found have made them the preserve of collectors and Tanzanite enthusiasts who are well informed.
It is a variety of the mineral zoisite and varies from blue, to violet, or purple in colour. Described as 'a geological phenomenon', tanzanite is 1,000 times more rare than diamonds. Tanzanite jewellery is extremely valuable and coveted, both for the gem's rarity, as well as its beauty.
Typically gorgeous blues and bluish-purples, Tanzanite also comes in extremely rare and highly collectable fancy colors: Golden, Green, Lilac and Peacock (blue and green).
Tanzanite Color, Characteristics & Value
Ranging in color from blue to violet, tanzanite is a pleochroic crystal, meaning it changes depending on the light and the direction from which it is viewed. In its original form, dark blue, brown-yellow, and red-purple can be seen in the same stone.
Trilliant. The 'Trilliant Cut' is a triangular-shaped cut with slightly rounded edges. Its facets may vary from 31 to 43, giving it its famous brilliance and emphasizing the rich blue color of the Tanzanite. Its symmetrical shape and angles make the 'Trilliant Cut' a perfect choice for sophisticated jewelry.
For richly colored AAA Tanzanite, 1ct is approximately worth $200-$350 per carat. 2ct sizes reach $400-$550 per carat. 3 carats and up will reach $500-$675 per carat. The changes taking place in Tanzania makes tanzanite a very good investment stone.
It is noteworthy that Tanzanites in grades SI and higher have impurities that are visible to the naked eye and are sold at comparatively lower prices.
Increasing Value
While the cut, color, and clarity of the stone will also influence its worth, investment grade Tanzanite has currently been estimated at around $600 to $1500 for stones ranging up to 10 carats. Prices are sure to increase as the mines run out.
The supply of tanzanite is finite. Geologists estimate that the source will be depleted in a decade or so.
How can you tell its a high- quality tanzanite? Tanzanite's value can be a bright, intense blue. However, in exceptional tanzanites, the colour is an intense violetish blue with red flashes of pleochroic colour coming from within the stone.
Tanzanite is a recipient of various titles like, “the most beautiful blue gem” and “the most important gem discovery in 2000 years.” It's therefore no surprise that this beaming bluish-violet gem is highly sought-after. However, due to traditional classification, tanzanite still falls under the semi-precious category.
Stones ranging over 4 carats and larger have been known to show the strongest blue color. Smaller tanzanite's are usually soft blue, light violet or lilac purple.
Value. In terms of value, Sapphire is generally more expensive than Tanzanite. This is due in part to their rarity and hardness, as well as their long history as a coveted gemstone over the ages. Tanzanite, while still very valuable, are more readily available currently and are therefore not as expensive as Sapphire.
They do not have the brilliance and sparkle, the clarity and variety of color shades that diamonds have. Of course, this does not make tanzanites unattractive or uninteresting. These are still very beautiful stones in just a crazy saturated blue color.
Cooler toned metals such as silver, platinum or white gold create a dramatic and icy look, magnificently contrasting against tanzanite's blue shades to enhance its color. Yellow or rose gold will elevate your tanzanite centerpiece with their warmth, revealing more purple and red colors within the stone.
Due to its rarity, Tanzanite has continued to be more expensive and valued than Amethyst.
Tanzanite can fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
For some wearers, tanzanite may cause lethargy, which makes sense considering all the life-changing revelations you may experience. A side effect of the healing process is that tanzanite can bring up repressed feelings, emotions, and memories that the wearer might not be ready for.
GIA Color Wheel.
The optimum range for Tanzanite is 4—6 where the stone is neither too light or too dark. The very finest stones lie in the 6 range. Saturation is arguably the most important component in the GIA color grading system. It describes the depth of color which is the most important factor of all.
However, when magnified to about 10 times their initial size, most Tanzanites will show some inclusions. Inclusions are tiny scratches or imperfections often found on the surface of some gems. If you examine your gem under a 10x magnifying glass and can find no noticeable inclusions, then your stone is probably a fake.
Tanzanite. Tanzanite is a shocking 1000 times more rare than a diamond. Discovered for the first time in 1967 and only found in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, these gemstones go for about $1,500 per carat.