How to Buy Tanzanite: Complete Guide

## A Gemstone From One Place on Earth Tanzanite is found in a single location: the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Discovered in 1967 by Maasai herder Ali Juuyawatu, tanzanite was named and popularized by Tiffany & Co. Its geological formation required such a specific combination of conditions that geologists estimate the probability of finding another deposit as less than one in a million. This single-source reality makes tanzanite both alluring and risky. When the mines eventually deplete — estimates range from 10 to 30 years — no new material will enter the market. ## Understanding Tanzanite Color Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, colored by vanadium. Its most distinctive feature is strong pleochroism: the raw crystal shows three distinct colors depending on direction — blue, violet, and burgundy-brown. Heat treatment at 500-700 degrees Celsius eliminates the brownish component, leaving the desirable blue-violet. Virtually all tanzanite on the market has been heated. This is universally accepted and does not significantly affect value. Unheated tanzanite in naturally blue-violet colors is genuinely rare but does not command the same premium as unheated ruby or sapphire. ### Color Grading | Grade | Description | Price Impact | |-------|-------------|-------------| | Exceptional (AAA) | Vivid violetish blue, saturated | Highest | | Fine (AA) | Strong blue-violet, good saturation | High | | Good (A) | Medium blue-violet | Moderate | | Commercial | Light or grayish blue-violet | Budget | The most valued color is a vivid violetish blue — deep enough to be rich but not so dark that it blackens in lower light. Stones above 5 carats tend to show deeper, more saturated color, which is why larger tanzanites are disproportionately valued. ## Tanzanite vs Sapphire: The Value Proposition Tanzanite offers sapphire-like blue color at a fraction of the price. A fine 3-carat tanzanite might cost $800-$2,000, while a comparable blue sapphire would run $6,000-$25,000. For buyers who want a vivid blue stone without the sapphire price tag, tanzanite is a strong choice. However, tanzanite is softer (6.5-7 Mohs vs sapphire's 9) and has one direction of perfect cleavage, making it more vulnerable to impact. It is best suited for earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings with protective settings. ## Size and Price Relationship Tanzanite prices per carat increase with size, but less steeply than for ruby or sapphire. Stones under 1 carat tend to appear lighter and less saturated, limiting their appeal. | Size | Commercial | Good | Fine | Exceptional | |------|-----------|------|------|-------------| | Under 1ct | $50-$150 | $150-$300 | $300-$500 | $500-$800 | | 1-3ct | $100-$250 | $250-$500 | $500-$1,000 | $1,000-$2,000 | | 3-5ct | $150-$350 | $350-$700 | $700-$1,500 | $1,500-$3,000 | | 5-10ct | $200-$500 | $500-$1,000 | $1,000-$2,500 | $2,500-$5,000 | | 10ct+ | $300-$600 | $600-$1,500 | $1,500-$3,500 | $3,500-$8,000 | ## Investment Considerations Tanzanite is sometimes marketed as an investment based on its single-source nature. While scarcity is real, the investment case is mixed. Tanzanite does not have the centuries-long track record of ruby or emerald. The resale market is thinner, and there is no equivalent of the Rapaport diamond price sheet for tanzanite. Buy tanzanite because you love the stone, not purely as an investment. ## Buying Recommendations - Prioritize vivid, saturated color — buy the best color you can afford - Size matters: aim for 2 carats or larger for the best color expression - Choose protective settings for rings — bezel is ideal - Consider tanzanite for earrings and pendants where durability is less critical - Purchase from dealers who provide gemological reports for stones above $1,000 - Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and sudden temperature changes ## Red Flags - Glass-coated tanzanite (a surface coating to enhance color — not permanent) - Synthetic forsterite marketed as tanzanite (different optical properties) - Investment guarantees or buyback promises - Prices vastly below market for stated quality ## Care and Setting Considerations Tanzanite requires more care than sapphire or ruby. Clean only with warm, soapy water and a soft brush — never ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause internal stress fractures. Remove tanzanite rings before gardening, sports, or manual work. For rings, bezel settings offer the best protection. If using prong settings, ensure the prongs are substantial and the stone sits low rather than elevated. Tanzanite earrings and pendants face fewer durability concerns and are excellent everyday options. ## Tanzanite Grading Systems Unlike diamonds, tanzanite has no universally accepted grading system. The Tanzanite Foundation developed a system using letter grades (AAA to C), but it is not used by major labs. GIA and AGL describe tanzanite color using their standard terminology without specific tanzanite grades. When comparing prices, focus on the stone's actual color and saturation rather than proprietary grade designations. ## Size Recommendations Tanzanite's color improves dramatically with size. Stones under 1 carat often appear washed-out and pale because there is not enough material depth for the blue-violet to saturate. The sweet spot for color and value is 2-5 carats, where tanzanite displays its characteristic vivid blue-violet most effectively. For maximum visual impact at moderate cost, consider a 3-5 carat tanzanite in a pendant or cocktail ring. This size range offers saturated color at prices that remain a fraction of equivalent sapphire.