Tanzanite, with its mesmerizing blue-violet hues, is renowned for its beauty and allure. However, within the spectrum of tanzanite colors, certain shades stand out as particularly rare and prized. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of rare tanzanite colors, examining their unique characteristics, value, and significance in the gemstone market.
Introduction to Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone that was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. It is a variety of the mineral zoisite, which is composed of calcium aluminum silicate. What sets tanzanite apart is its stunning blue to violet-blue coloration, which is caused by the presence of trace amounts of vanadium within the crystal structure.
Tanzanite’s color is highly prized for its vibrant saturation and exceptional clarity, making it a favorite among gemstone enthusiasts and collectors. Its rich blue-violet hues are reminiscent of sapphires and often exhibit pleochroism, meaning that the gemstone can display different colors when viewed from different angles.
Rare Tanzanite Colors
While most tanzanites exhibit shades of blue-violet, certain colors are considered rarer and more valuable due to their unique characteristics and scarcity. Some of the rarest tanzanite colors include:
Pure Blue Tanzanite: Tanzanite with a pure blue color, devoid of any violet or purple hues, is exceptionally rare and highly coveted. These gems exhibit a mesmerizing, intense blue hue that is reminiscent of fine sapphires. Pure blue tanzanites are prized for their rarity and beauty, commanding premium prices in the gemstone market.
Bi-Color Tanzanite: Bi-color tanzanite, also known as trichroic tanzanite, displays two or more distinct colors when viewed from different angles. One of the most sought-after bi-color combinations is blue-violet with flashes of pink or red. These gems exhibit a captivating play of color that adds to their allure and uniqueness.
Color-Change Tanzanite: Color-change tanzanite is a rare variety that exhibits different colors under different lighting conditions. Typically, these gems appear blue under daylight or fluorescent lighting and shift to violet or purplish hues under incandescent light. The phenomenon of color change adds to the gemstone’s intrigue and rarity, making it highly desirable among collectors.
Intense Violet Tanzanite: Tanzanite with an intense violet hue, bordering on purple, is considered rare and valuable. These gems exhibit deep, saturated colors with exceptional clarity, creating a mesmerizing display of color and brilliance.
Greenish-Blue Tanzanite: Tanzanite with a greenish-blue hue, sometimes referred to as “mint tanzanite,” is prized for its unique coloration and rarity. These gems display a delicate interplay of blue and green tones, creating a fresh and vibrant appearance.
Red Tanzanite: Red tanzanite is an extremely rare variety that exhibits a vibrant red coloration due to the presence of manganese in the crystal structure. These gems are exceptionally scarce and command astronomical prices in the gemstone market.
Value and Significance
The rarity of these tanzanite colors contributes to their high value and significance in the gemstone market. Pure blue tanzanite, bi-color tanzanite, color-change tanzanite, and intense violet tanzanite are particularly prized for their beauty, rarity, and collectibility.
Bi-color tanzanite, with its striking play of colors, is especially sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for its uniqueness and visual appeal. Color-change tanzanite, with its fascinating ability to change color under different lighting conditions, adds an element of mystery and intrigue to any jewelry piece.
Red tanzanite, being one of the rarest gemstones in the world, holds immense value and significance among gemstone enthusiasts and collectors. Its vibrant red hues are unparalleled in their beauty and rarity, making it a highly coveted addition to any gemstone collection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rare tanzanite colors, including pure blue, bi-color, color-change, intense violet, greenish-blue, and red tanzanite, are highly prized for their beauty, rarity, and collectibility. These gems command premium prices in the gemstone market and hold immense value and significance among collectors and connoisseurs. With their mesmerizing hues and exceptional clarity, rare tanzanite colors continue to captivate the imagination and inspire admiration among gemstone enthusiasts worldwide.
