Tanzanite vs Zircon
Comparing Tanzanite and Zircon — two birthstone gems often compared by jewelry buyers. On the Mohs scale, Tanzanite rates 6.5 and Zircon rates 7.5. In terms of price, Tanzanite falls in the moderately priced range and Zircon in the moderately priced range.
| Property | Tanzanite | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Semi-Precious Gems | Semi-Precious Gems |
| Primary Color | various | various |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5–7.0 | 7.5 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.35 | 3.93 |
| Refractive Index | 1.685 | 1.81 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic | Tetragonal |
| Luster | — | Vitreous |
| Chemical Formula | — | — |
| Price Tier | Moderate ($50-500/ct) | Moderate ($50-500/ct) |
| Daily Wear | Nein | Ja |
Key Differences
- ◆ {'gem_a': '6.5', 'gem_b': '7.5', 'property': 'Hardness (Mohs)'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'Orthorhombic', 'gem_b': 'Tetragonal', 'property': 'Crystal System'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '3.35', 'gem_b': '3.93', 'property': 'Specific Gravity'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': '1.685', 'gem_b': '1.81', 'property': 'Refractive Index'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'N/A', 'gem_b': 'Vitreous', 'property': 'Luster'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'moderate', 'gem_b': 'moderate', 'property': 'Price Range'}
- ◆ {'gem_a': 'No', 'gem_b': 'Yes', 'property': 'Daily Wear'}
When to choose Tanzanite
Choose Tanzanite when you want its significance as the modern December birthstone. It's ideal for occasional wear pieces and pendants.
When to choose Zircon
Choose Zircon when you want superior hardness and scratch resistance, higher brilliance and light performance, and suitability for daily wear. It's ideal for engagement rings and everyday jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder, Tanzanite or Zircon?
Zircon is harder at 7.5 on the Mohs scale, compared to Tanzanite at 6.5-7.0. This makes Zircon more resistant to scratching. Zircon is suitable for daily wear, while tanzanite requires more careful handling and is not ideal for daily wear.
Is Tanzanite more expensive than Zircon?
Tanzanite and Zircon are in a similar price range, both classified as moderately priced ($50-500/ct). Tanzanite typically ranges moderately priced ($50-500/ct), while Zircon ranges moderately priced ($50-500/ct).
Should I choose Tanzanite or Zircon for an engagement ring?
For an engagement ring, Zircon is the stronger choice with a durability rating of 8/10. At 7.5 Mohs hardness, it can withstand daily wear well. Tanzanite (6.5-7.0 Mohs) is softer and more prone to scratching with everyday use, making it better suited for occasional-wear jewelry.
How can I tell Tanzanite and Zircon apart?
There are several visual cues: both appear various, but often in different saturations; Zircon (RI 1.81-2.024) shows more brilliance than Tanzanite (RI 1.685-1.707); they have different crystal systems — Tanzanite is Orthorhombic and Zircon is Tetragonal. A gemologist can confirm identification using refractive index testing.
Can I use Tanzanite instead of Zircon as a birthstone?
Yes, both Tanzanite and Zircon are recognized birthstones for December. Tanzanite is the modern December birthstone and Zircon is the traditional December birthstone, so either is an appropriate choice for that month.