Gemstones have fascinated humanity for centuries with their captivating beauty and rarity. Among the vast array of gemstones, two of the most sought-after and prestigious are Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire. While both display mesmerizing blue hues, they differ significantly in terms of origin, composition, value, and more. In this article, we will explore the differences between Violet Blue Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire to help gem enthusiasts and buyers make informed choices.
What Is Violet Blue Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone that was first discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. It derives its name from its country of origin. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, composed of calcium aluminum silicate, and is uniquely colored by traces of vanadium.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Tanzanite is its trichroism, which means it can show three distinct colors when viewed from different angles: blue, violet, and burgundy. The finest Tanzanites, often termed Violet Blue Tanzanite, tend to exhibit a deep blue with flashes of violet, similar to sapphire, which makes them highly desirable.
What Is Blue Sapphire?
Sapphire, on the other hand, is one of the most well-known and revered gemstones. Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed of aluminum oxide. Sapphires are primarily found in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, and Australia. The rich blue color of Sapphire is due to the presence of iron and titanium impurities within the crystal structure.
Blue Sapphire has been treasured for centuries, often associated with royalty and used in historic jewelry pieces. It is famous for its durability and deep, rich blue hue that can range from a velvety royal blue to a lighter cornflower shade.
Comparing Color: Violet Blue Tanzanite vs. Blue Sapphire
Hue and Saturation
The most noticeable difference between Violet Blue Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire is their color.
Violet Blue Tanzanite: This gemstone often exhibits a blend of blue and violet tones. Its color can change depending on the light source and the angle from which it is viewed, due to its trichroic nature. In natural sunlight, Tanzanite may appear bluer, while indoor lighting can emphasize its violet hues. The most prized Tanzanites possess a vivid, saturated blue with flashes of purple or violet.
Blue Sapphire: The color of Blue Sapphire is more consistent and ranges from deep royal blue to lighter shades of blue. The best quality Sapphires typically exhibit a rich, velvety blue that is evenly distributed throughout the stone. Unlike Tanzanite, Blue Sapphire is dichroic, showing two colors instead of three, usually blue and a slightly greenish or purplish secondary hue.
Color Stability
Tanzanite: One downside of Tanzanite is that its color is relatively less stable. Tanzanite’s blue and violet colors are the result of heat treatment, and prolonged exposure to strong light or heat can cause some fading. This makes Tanzanite slightly more vulnerable in terms of color stability compared to Sapphire.
Blue Sapphire: In contrast, the color of Blue Sapphire is generally stable and durable. Its rich blue hue does not fade over time with exposure to light or heat, making it more reliable for long-term wear in jewelry.
Durability: A Critical Consideration
When it comes to gemstones, durability is an essential factor, particularly if the gem is to be set in everyday jewelry like rings or bracelets, which are prone to wear and tear.
Violet Blue Tanzanite: Tanzanite scores a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This softness makes Tanzanite more prone to scratches, chips, and fractures if not handled with care. Tanzanite should be worn cautiously and is better suited for occasional jewelry rather than daily wear.
Blue Sapphire: Sapphire, being a variety of corundum, is one of the hardest natural gemstones, with a Mohs hardness of 9. This hardness makes Blue Sapphire extremely resistant to scratching, second only to diamonds. Its toughness and resilience make it an excellent choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other daily-wear jewelry.
See Also: Why Tanzanite Cushion Cut Rings Are a Popular Choice?
Rarity and Value
Availability
Tanzanite: Tanzanite is much rarer than Sapphire, being found in only one location on Earth—the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. This limited geographic source makes Tanzanite a more exclusive gem. Experts believe that the Tanzanite mines could be depleted within a few decades, which could increase the stone’s rarity and value in the future.
Blue Sapphire: Although Sapphires are rarer than many other gemstones, they are more widely available than Tanzanite. Sapphires are mined in several locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Thailand. The steady availability of Blue Sapphires helps maintain a more stable market for this gem.
Market Value
Violet Blue Tanzanite: Tanzanite tends to be less expensive than Blue Sapphire, primarily due to its lower durability and market demand. However, as Tanzanite becomes scarcer, its value may rise. The value of Tanzanite is also influenced by its color saturation—stones with deeper blue and violet tones command higher prices.
Blue Sapphire: Blue Sapphire is often more expensive than Tanzanite, particularly high-quality stones with rich color and clarity. Sapphires from specific regions, such as Kashmir or Burma, can fetch astronomical prices due to their rarity and historical significance. Sapphire’s enduring popularity, historical significance, and superior durability contribute to its higher market value.
Treatment and Enhancements
Tanzanite: Nearly all Tanzanite on the market undergoes heat treatment to enhance its color. In its natural state, Tanzanite is usually a brownish-green, and the heat treatment brings out the vibrant blue and violet hues. This treatment is widely accepted in the gem industry but should always be disclosed by jewelers.
Blue Sapphire: Blue Sapphire also frequently undergoes heat treatment to improve its color and clarity. Unlike Tanzanite, however, untreated Blue Sapphires can be found, and such stones are highly valued by collectors. Heat treatment is permanent and stable, meaning that the stone’s improved qualities will last indefinitely. In addition to heat treatment, some sapphires are subjected to diffusion treatments, which artificially enhance the color of the gem.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Violet Blue Tanzanite: Since Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, it lacks the deep cultural history associated with gemstones like Sapphire. However, Tanzanite has quickly gained popularity and is celebrated for its vibrant beauty and rarity. It is also recognized as the December birthstone, symbolizing transformation and self-awareness.
Blue Sapphire: Blue Sapphire has a long history and deep cultural significance. In ancient times, it was believed to protect its wearer from envy and harm. Sapphires have also been associated with wisdom, virtue, and divine favor. This gemstone has been a favorite of royalty for centuries and is famously seen in Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
Choosing Between Violet Blue Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire
When selecting between Violet Blue Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire, consider the following factors:
Durability: For daily wear, Blue Sapphire is a better option due to its superior hardness and toughness.
Color Preference: If you are drawn to a gemstone with dynamic color shifts and flashes of violet, Tanzanite may be more appealing. For those who prefer a consistent deep blue, Sapphire is the preferred choice.
Budget: Tanzanite is generally more affordable than Blue Sapphire, making it a more accessible option for those who desire a vibrant blue gemstone without the higher price tag of Sapphire.
Symbolism: If cultural significance and historical prestige are important to you, Blue Sapphire holds a deeper connection with royalty, protection, and wisdom.
Conclusion
Both Violet Blue Tanzanite and Blue Sapphire are magnificent gemstones with their own unique allure. Tanzanite dazzles with its striking violet-blue color and rarity, while Sapphire captivates with its rich history, symbolism, and durability. Your choice between these gems ultimately depends on your personal preference for color, symbolism, budget, and intended use. Whichever you choose, both Tanzanite and Sapphire will add timeless beauty and sophistication to any jewelry collection.
