Judging the quality of tanzanite involves looking at more than its blue color. A well-chosen tanzanite should be evaluated for color, clarity, cut, carat weight, treatment, durability, and overall face-up appearance. Among these factors, color is especially important: fine tanzanite is prized for strongly saturated blue-violet to violet-blue hues, while clarity and cutting can significantly affect how lively and attractive the gemstone appears.
There is also an important point buyers should know before comparing stones: terms such as A, AA, AAA, or AAAA are not part of a universal standardized tanzanite grading system. Different sellers may define these grades differently. Instead of relying only on a commercial grade, examine the actual gemstone and understand the quality factors explained below.
Quick Answer: What Makes a High-Quality Tanzanite?
High-quality tanzanite generally combines strong blue-violet or violet-blue color, attractive saturation, good transparency, few distracting eye-visible inclusions, skillful cutting, and an appealing face-up appearance. Larger size can influence color and value, but carat weight alone does not determine quality. Treatment disclosure, durability, and reliable gemstone identification should also be considered.
For an introduction to the gemstone's origin, properties, and characteristics, visit our Tanzanite Education Guide.
How Is Tanzanite Quality Evaluated?
Tanzanite is commonly evaluated using familiar gemstone quality factors such as color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. However, these factors should not be treated as completely independent or automatically equal.
For example, cutting orientation can affect the color you see when looking at the gemstone face-up, while carat weight can influence how strongly saturated the color appears. Treatment and durability are also important considerations when comparing stones.
For most buyers, the goal is not to find a gemstone that simply receives the highest marketing grade. The goal is to understand how the stone actually looks, whether its quality characteristics justify its price, and whether it is suitable for the jewelry in which it will be worn.
1. Color: One of the Most Important Tanzanite Quality Factors
Color is one of the most influential factors in tanzanite's beauty and value. Fine tanzanite is generally associated with richly saturated violetish-blue, blue-violet, or violet-blue appearances.
When judging tanzanite color, consider three elements:
- Hue: The basic color impression, such as blue with violet or violet with blue.
- Tone: How light or dark the gemstone appears.
- Saturation: The strength or intensity of the color.
A gemstone with weak saturation may appear pale, grayish, or washed out, while an excessively dark stone can lose brightness and visual liveliness. An attractive balance of strong color and brightness is generally preferable to simply choosing the darkest stone available.
Is Darker Tanzanite Always Better?
No. A darker gemstone is not automatically a higher-quality tanzanite. Color quality depends on the combination of hue, tone, saturation, and overall face-up appearance.
A stone that is so dark that its color becomes difficult to appreciate may be less visually appealing than a brighter stone with strong, vivid saturation.
2. Clarity: Should Tanzanite Be Eye-Clean?
Fine faceted tanzanite is often expected to appear relatively clean to the unaided eye. Small inclusions visible only under magnification may have little effect on the gemstone's beauty, while obvious eye-visible inclusions can reduce transparency, appearance, and value.
When comparing tanzanite, ask:
- Can you easily see inclusions without magnification?
- Do inclusions interfere with transparency?
- Are inclusions located in a visually distracting area?
- Are there fractures that could affect durability?
Inclusions and Fractures Are Not the Same Concern
Not every internal characteristic should be treated equally. A small internal inclusion may primarily affect appearance, while a significant fracture—particularly one that reaches the surface or lies in a vulnerable location—may create a durability concern.
Because tanzanite has cleavage and is less resistant to hard impacts than gemstones such as ruby or sapphire, durability-threatening fractures deserve particular attention when evaluating a stone for jewelry.
3. Cut: Why Good Cutting Matters in Tanzanite
Cut affects more than the outline or shape of a tanzanite. It influences brightness, symmetry, face-up color, apparent size, and the overall beauty of the gemstone.
When judging the cut of a tanzanite, look for:
- balanced proportions;
- good symmetry;
- an attractive face-up color;
- lively light return;
- minimal distracting dark areas;
- no large, obvious window through the center of the gemstone; and
- a shape that displays the gemstone attractively.
Watch for Windowing
A poorly proportioned gemstone may show a transparent or washed-out area through its center, often described as a window. Significant windowing can make a tanzanite look less saturated and less lively.
Rather than judging cut solely by shape, view the gemstone face-up and ask whether the entire stone looks balanced, bright, and visually appealing.
Popular Tanzanite Shapes
Tanzanite can be fashioned into many shapes, including oval, cushion, round, pear, emerald-style, and other fancy shapes. The best choice depends on the rough gemstone, cutting orientation, design, and personal preference.
If you want to understand gemstone shapes in more detail, explore our guides to round-cut gemstones, cushion-cut gemstones, pear-cut gemstones, and princess-cut gemstones.
4. Carat Weight: Does a Larger Tanzanite Mean Better Quality?
No. Carat is a measurement of gemstone weight, not a quality grade. A larger tanzanite is not automatically better than a smaller one.
Size does, however, interact with color. Richer and deeper colors are often more apparent in larger tanzanites, while smaller stones can sometimes appear lighter or less saturated.
This is one reason larger fine-color tanzanites can be especially desirable. But a large gemstone with weak color, obvious inclusions, poor cutting, or durability concerns should not automatically be considered higher quality than a smaller stone with excellent overall characteristics.
Buying Tip: Never use carat weight alone to judge tanzanite quality. Compare color, clarity, cut, face-up dimensions, treatment information, and overall appearance alongside weight.
What Is Pleochroism in Tanzanite?
One of tanzanite's most distinctive optical characteristics is pleochroism. This means the gemstone can display different colors when viewed in different crystal directions.
As a result, a tanzanite may appear more blue from one direction and more violet or bluish-purple from another. The way the rough gemstone is oriented and cut influences which colors dominate when the finished stone is viewed face-up.
Why Does My Tanzanite Look Blue in One Direction and Violet in Another?
This color variation is a natural optical characteristic of tanzanite rather than automatically being a quality problem. Lighting conditions can also influence how its blue and violet components appear.
When comparing gemstones, view them from more than one angle and, where practical, under different normal lighting conditions. This gives you a better idea of the color you will see when actually wearing the jewelry.
Is Heat-Treated Tanzanite Lower Quality?
Not necessarily. Heat treatment is common and widely accepted for tanzanite. Much of the blue-to-violet tanzanite available in the jewelry market has been heated to develop or enhance the colors for which the gemstone is known.
Heat treatment of tanzanite is generally considered stable under normal wearing conditions. Because heating is so common in the market, the presence of conventional heat treatment alone does not automatically make a tanzanite poor quality.
Buyers should still expect clear and accurate information about known gemstone treatments from the seller.
Is There an Official Tanzanite Grading System?
There is no universal standardized A, AA, AAA, or AAAA grading scale for tanzanite. These terms may be created and defined by individual sellers, manufacturers, or jewelry companies.
This means an “AAA Tanzanite” from one seller cannot automatically be assumed to have exactly the same quality as an “AAA Tanzanite” from another seller.
Commercial grades can still be useful when a company clearly explains its own criteria, but buyers should not mistake them for a universal independent gemological standard.
Does GIA Give Tanzanite an AAA Grade?
No. GIA does not use a universal A/AA/AAA quality-grading scale for tanzanite. A gemological laboratory can identify gemstone material and provide relevant identification information, but this should not be confused with retailer-created quality labels.
How Can You Tell if Tanzanite Is Real?
Visual appearance alone is not a reliable way for a consumer to conclusively determine whether a gemstone is natural tanzanite. Other gemstones or materials can imitate aspects of its appearance, and reliable identification can require gemological testing.
When purchasing tanzanite:
- buy from a seller that clearly describes the gemstone;
- ask whether treatments are known or disclosed;
- review product specifications carefully;
- understand the seller's return and warranty policies; and
- consider independent gemological documentation for a significant purchase when appropriate.
Avoid scratch tests, heat tests, chemical tests, or other DIY methods that could damage the gemstone or jewelry.
Should You Ask for a Tanzanite Gemstone Report?
For a significant loose gemstone or high-value jewelry purchase, an independent gemological report can provide useful identification information.
Depending on the laboratory and report type, gemological documentation may identify the gemstone material and provide information about detectable treatments. However, a laboratory identification report should not be confused with a universal “AAA” quality grade.
For lower-priced jewelry, formal laboratory documentation may not always be practical. In those cases, transparent seller disclosure, detailed specifications, clear imagery, and appropriate return policies become particularly important.
Tanzanite Quality Comparison Chart
|
How to Judge Tanzanite Quality in 60 Seconds
If you are comparing tanzanite gemstones or jewelry, use this quick checklist:
- Look at the color: Does the stone show an attractive, strongly saturated blue-violet or violet-blue appearance?
- Check brightness: Does the gemstone look lively rather than excessively dark or washed out?
- Check clarity: Are obvious inclusions visible without magnification?
- Look for concerning fractures: Do you see fractures that might affect durability?
- Judge the cut: Is the stone symmetrical and visually balanced?
- Check for windowing: Is there a large transparent or washed-out area through the center?
- View different angles: How does the blue-violet appearance change as the stone moves?
- Consider size correctly: Do not assume higher carat weight automatically means better quality.
- Ask about treatment: Has the seller clearly explained known treatments?
- Question commercial grades: If the stone is called AAA or AAAA, ask how that seller defines the grade.
- Review documentation: For an important purchase, consider whether independent identification is appropriate.
- Consider the setting: If buying a ring, look for a design that offers reasonable protection for the gemstone.
Remember: The best tanzanite is not simply the darkest, largest, or highest seller-graded stone. Judge the complete gemstone—color, clarity, cut, carat weight, durability, treatment disclosure, and how attractive it looks to you.
Is Tanzanite Rare?
Tanzanite is notable for its geographically restricted commercial source in northern Tanzania. This limited geographic origin is part of what makes the gemstone distinctive.
However, a limited source should not be interpreted as a guarantee that tanzanite will reach a particular future price or provide a specific investment return. If you are buying tanzanite jewelry, focus first on gemstone quality, design, craftsmanship, suitability for wear, and your personal preference.
Is Tanzanite Durable Enough for Jewelry?
Tanzanite ranks approximately 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is suitable for jewelry, but it requires more thoughtful handling than harder gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, or diamond.
Tanzanite also has cleavage and fair-to-poor toughness, which means a sufficiently hard blow can damage the gemstone.
Is Tanzanite Suitable for Rings?
Yes, tanzanite can be worn in rings, but rings are exposed to more knocks and impacts than earrings or necklaces. If you choose a tanzanite ring for regular wear, consider a setting that offers reasonable protection to the gemstone and remove the ring before sports, gardening, heavy cleaning, or other high-impact activities.
For engagement jewelry, explore tanzanite engagement rings while considering both design and gemstone protection.
Is Tanzanite Suitable for Earrings and Necklaces?
Yes. Earrings and necklaces are generally less exposed to hard impacts than rings, making them particularly practical ways to wear tanzanite. You can explore tanzanite necklaces and other December birthstone jewelry based on your preferred design and occasion.
How to Clean and Care for Tanzanite Jewelry
Because tanzanite requires protection from sudden temperature changes and hard impacts, gentle cleaning is the preferred approach.
How to Clean Tanzanite at Home
- Prepare warm—not very hot—water with a small amount of mild soap.
- Clean the jewelry gently without aggressive scrubbing.
- Rinse carefully.
- Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Inspect the gemstone and setting before wearing it again.
Can Tanzanite Go in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
No. Ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended for tanzanite. The vibrations can create unnecessary risk for a gemstone with cleavage and fair-to-poor toughness.
Can Tanzanite Be Steam Cleaned?
No. Steam cleaning is not recommended for tanzanite. Sudden temperature changes can damage the gemstone.
Everyday Tanzanite Care Tips
- Protect tanzanite jewelry from hard knocks and impacts.
- Remove rings before sports, gardening, or heavy household work.
- Avoid exposing fine jewelry to harsh household chemicals.
- Put jewelry on after applying cosmetics, perfume, and lotions when practical.
- Store tanzanite separately so it does not rub against harder gemstones or jewelry.
- Have loose stones, damaged prongs, or worn settings inspected by a professional jeweler.
For more general maintenance advice, visit our Jewelry Care Guide.
Design a Ring That Feels Like Your Story
Explore our Tanzanite Engagement Rings, thoughtfully crafted to showcase this distinctive gemstone in elegant designs made for meaningful proposals and unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzanite Quality
How can you tell if tanzanite is high quality?
High-quality tanzanite generally combines attractive, strongly saturated blue-violet or violet-blue color with good transparency, few distracting eye-visible inclusions, skillful cutting, and an appealing face-up appearance. Treatment disclosure, durability, and appropriate documentation should also be considered.
What color tanzanite is considered most valuable?
Richly saturated blue-violet to violet-blue colors are generally among the most desirable tanzanite appearances. However, darker does not automatically mean better. The stone should retain attractive brightness and visible color rather than appearing overly dark.
Is blue or purple tanzanite better?
Neither color should automatically be considered “better” for every buyer. Tanzanite naturally shows blue and violet components because of its pleochroism. Strong saturation, attractive face-up appearance, overall quality, and personal preference are more useful considerations than choosing solely between the words blue and purple.
What does AAA tanzanite mean?
AAA is generally a seller-specific or company-specific quality description rather than a universally standardized gemological grade. Different sellers may use different criteria, so ask how the particular company defines AAA before comparing stones.
Does GIA grade tanzanite as A, AA, or AAA?
No. GIA does not use a universal A/AA/AAA quality-grading scale for tanzanite. Gemological identification and seller-created quality grades are different things.
Is heat-treated tanzanite lower quality?
Not necessarily. Conventional heat treatment is common and widely accepted for tanzanite and is used to develop the familiar blue-to-violet appearance of much material in the market. Evaluate the resulting gemstone's color, clarity, cut, size, durability, and overall appearance rather than assuming heat treatment alone means poor quality.
Should high-quality tanzanite be eye-clean?
Fine faceted tanzanite is often relatively clean to the unaided eye. Obvious eye-visible inclusions can reduce transparency and visual appeal, while significant fractures may also create durability concerns.
Is a larger tanzanite always more valuable?
No. Carat weight measures gemstone weight rather than quality. Larger fine-quality stones can be desirable, and richer color is often more apparent in larger tanzanites, but a large stone with weak color, poor clarity, or poor cutting is not automatically superior to a smaller, better-quality gemstone.
Why does tanzanite look different colors from different angles?
Tanzanite is pleochroic, meaning it can display different colors when viewed in different crystal directions. Cutting orientation and lighting can therefore influence whether a finished gemstone appears more blue, violet, or bluish-purple.
How can I tell if tanzanite is real?
Appearance alone cannot conclusively establish that a gemstone is natural tanzanite. Buy from a transparent seller, review gemstone specifications and treatment disclosure, and consider independent gemological identification for a significant purchase. Avoid destructive DIY tests.
Is tanzanite good for an engagement ring?
Tanzanite can be used in an engagement ring, but its approximately 6–7 Mohs hardness, cleavage, and fair-to-poor toughness mean it requires more care than harder gemstones. A protective setting and mindful wearing habits are especially important for a frequently worn tanzanite ring.
How should tanzanite be cleaned?
Clean tanzanite gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or appropriate soft cleaning tool. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, protect the gemstone from sudden temperature changes, and have damaged settings inspected professionally.
Final Thoughts: How to Choose Quality Tanzanite
Judging tanzanite quality becomes much easier once you stop relying on a single label such as “AAA” or assuming that the largest and darkest gemstone must be the best.
Start with the stone's color and overall face-up appearance. Look for attractive saturation and brightness. Then consider clarity, potentially concerning fractures, cutting quality, carat weight, treatment disclosure, and the suitability of the gemstone for the jewelry design.
Most importantly, compare the actual characteristics of the gemstone rather than relying only on seller-created grading terminology. For a significant purchase, clear seller information and appropriate independent identification can provide additional confidence.
Gemological References
For independent gemological information about tanzanite quality, grading terminology, durability, treatment, and care, see the GIA Tanzanite Guide, GIA Tanzanite Quality Factors, GIA Tanzanite Buyer's Guide, and GIA Tanzanite Care & Cleaning Guide.