Tanzanite, with its mesmerizing blue-violet hues, is a gemstone that has captured the hearts of jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for its rarity and beauty, tanzanite’s unique appeal raises questions about its durability and suitability for everyday wear. One common query that often arises is whether tanzanite can safely come into contact with water. In this article, we will explore the intriguing relationship between tanzanite and water, addressing concerns, offering care tips, and unveiling the gem’s remarkable journey from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to your jewelry collection.
Tanzanite: A Gem of Geological Rarity
Before we delve into the subject of tanzanite’s interaction with water, it’s essential to grasp the geological wonder behind this gemstone’s creation. Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, known for its vibrant blue and violet colors. What makes tanzanite truly remarkable is its exclusive origin: it is found in only one place on Earth, the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The formation of tanzanite is an intricate dance of geological forces. Over 585 million years ago, tanzanite’s journey began with the violent tectonic activity that created the East African Rift. Heat and pressure deep within the Earth transformed the base mineral zoisite into the vibrant gem we know today. This unique geological history contributes to tanzanite’s rarity and fascination.
Tanzanite’s Interaction with Water: A Deeper Look
Tanzanite, like all gemstones, can interact with water, but it’s crucial to understand the implications and circumstances surrounding this interaction.
1. Everyday Wear:
In most everyday scenarios, it is safe to wear tanzanite jewelry while washing your hands, swimming, or getting caught in the rain. Tanzanite is relatively resistant to water exposure, making it suitable for daily wear. However, exposure to chemicals like chlorine in swimming pools and harsh cleaning agents should be avoided, as these can potentially harm the gemstone’s surface.
2. Steam and Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Tanzanite jewelry should not be subjected to steam cleaning or ultrasonic cleaning methods. The intense heat and pressure generated by these processes can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or fractures in the gem. It is advisable to clean tanzanite with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush, followed by gentle drying with a soft cloth.
3. Avoiding Sudden Temperature Changes:
Extreme temperature variations can also pose a risk to tanzanite. While tanzanite can withstand moderate heat, exposing it to sudden changes from extreme heat to cold or vice versa should be avoided, as this can lead to thermal shock and potential damage.
4. Long-Term Immersion:
Prolonged exposure to water, such as leaving tanzanite jewelry submerged for extended periods, is not recommended. While tanzanite is not water-soluble, there may be concerns about potential harm to the metal settings, such as tarnishing or corrosion, which could indirectly impact the gemstone.
Special Considerations for Tanzanite Rings:
Tanzanite rings, being more exposed to everyday activities, require special attention. It is advisable to remove tanzanite rings before engaging in activities where the gem may come into direct contact with hard surfaces or rough materials to prevent scratches, chips, or other damage.
Periodically, it’s a good practice to have tanzanite jewelry professionally inspected to ensure the gem is secure in its setting. This will also allow for any necessary repairs or maintenance to be performed to keep the jewelry in excellent condition.
Tanzanite and Its Unique Vulnerabilities
Tanzanite is known for its exquisite beauty, but it has characteristics that require special care and consideration. Here are some of the unique vulnerabilities of tanzanite:
1. Cleavage:
Tanzanite has distinct cleavage planes, which means it can split along certain directions more easily than other gemstones. Although this feature contributes to its beautiful pleochroism (display of different colors from different angles), it also makes tanzanite more susceptible to damage from impact or pressure.
2. Heat Sensitivity:
As mentioned earlier, tanzanite is sensitive to sudden temperature changes. This heat sensitivity makes it essential to avoid exposing the gem to high temperatures, such as those generated by steam cleaning or torch soldering.
3. Light Sensitivity:
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to color fading in tanzanite. While this process is reversible in some cases, it’s advisable to protect your tanzanite jewelry from excessive sunlight.
4. Chemical Exposure:
Tanzanite should be shielded from harsh chemicals, including those found in cleaning agents and chlorine in swimming pools. These chemicals can potentially damage the gemstone’s surface or cause discoloration.
5. Hardness:
While tanzanite is relatively hard, with a rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, it is not as durable as other popular gemstones like sapphires or diamonds. This means it is more susceptible to scratches and abrasions, especially in jewelry settings where it is exposed.
See Also: Is Tanzanite Still Valuable: The Allure & Investment Potential
Tanzanite’s Ethical and Environmental Concerns
Tanzanite mining, like many extractive industries, is not without its ethical and environmental challenges. It’s essential to be aware of these concerns and support efforts to address them:
1. Ethical Mining:
Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and adherence to ethical standards is crucial in the tanzanite mining industry. Support for initiatives that promote responsible mining practices can contribute to positive change.
2. Resource Conservation:
Given tanzanite’s unique geological occurrence in a single location, there is a need for sustainable mining practices to protect the resource and ensure its availability for future generations. Some efforts include reforestation projects and responsible land management.
3. Community Development:
The tanzanite industry should also focus on community development in the regions where it operates. Investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure can improve the quality of life for local communities.
4. Transparency:
Advocating for transparency in the tanzanite supply chain helps ensure that the gem’s journey from mine to market adheres to ethical and environmental standards.
Caring for Tanzanite: Tips for Longevity
To ensure your tanzanite jewelry maintains its luster and beauty, it’s essential to follow proper care guidelines:
1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Tanzanite should not come into contact with harsh chemicals, including those found in cleaning products. Remove your tanzanite jewelry before cleaning or working with chemicals.
2. Store Separately:
To prevent scratches, store your tanzanite jewelry separately or in a soft pouch. Avoid storing it with other gemstones or metals that may cause abrasions.
3. Gentle Cleaning:
Clean your tanzanite jewelry with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaning.
4. Professional Inspections:
Periodically have your tanzanite jewelry professionally inspected to ensure the gem is secure in its setting. This will also allow for any necessary repairs or maintenance to be performed.
5. Wear with Care:
While tanzanite is relatively hard, it is not impervious to damage. Be mindful of your jewelry during physical activities to avoid hard knocks and impacts.
6. Avoid Direct Sunlight:
Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent potential color fading. Protect your tanzanite jewelry by storing it in a cool, dark place when not in use.
See Also: How to Clean Tanzanite Jewelry at Home: All You Need To Know
Conclusion
Tanzanite, with its breathtaking blue-violet allure and unique geological origin, is a gemstone that captivates the imagination. While it is generally safe to wear tanzanite jewelry in water and everyday scenarios, it’s crucial to be mindful of its unique vulnerabilities and to follow proper care guidelines to ensure its longevity.
As you adorn yourself with tanzanite jewelry or appreciate its beauty in various cultural and symbolic contexts, consider the journey it has undertaken from deep within the Earth to your cherished jewelry collection. Tanzanite’s rarity, ethereal beauty, and cultural significance make it a gem that continues to inspire and enchant those who encounter it, whether in a sparkling ring or a dazzling necklace, under the sun or the stars.
