Tanzanite, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful gemstones you can get your hands on. We wouldn’t blame you if you’d have the desire to flaunt it every single day. But should you though?
Continue reading to find out.
Is Tanzanite a Tough Gem?
In the year 1812, German geologist and mineralogist Friedrich Mohs developed a qualitative ordinal scale for minerals. It was created to help gauge the softness or hardness of a gemstone, and give it a rating between 1 and 10 accordingly.
While 1 indicated extreme malleability, 10 meant remarkable hardness. This scale is still used for testing all kinds of gemstones, including the tanzanite. Our violet-blue beauty has received a hardness rating of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This means it’s certainly not as tough as sapphire or diamond. But it isn’t as delicate as a pearl either.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Yes, you can wear tanzanite jewelry every day (if need be) but with utmost care from your end. Remember, this jewel exhibits perfect cleavage, which indicates its tendency to getting chipped or damaged if it receives a sharp blow. The tanzanite is also prone to breakage because its chemical structure is sensitive to rapid change in temperature.
But you can drastically reduce the probability of damage to this gem by putting more thought into the kind of setting you choose, and of course with a lot of TLC.
Choose the Right Setting
When you are on a hunt for genuine tanzanite jewelry, pay special attention to the kind of setting that has been used. Some of them definitely provide more protection to the gemstone compared to others. For instance, the bezel setting offers safety to the jewel by surrounding the entire circumference with a metal rim. This setting is especially great for those with an active lifestyle as it firmly holds the stone in place and the risk of damage is significantly reduced.
Similarly, the row or channel setting is a good choice if you plan to buy a tanzanite ring. This particular setting secures the stones in between two strips of metal. By doing so, it will not only put the focus directly on the tanzanites but also secure their positioning.
Useful Tips
- Tanzanite is available in a large variety of shapes and cuts. However, if you wish to wear it every day then oval, pear or heart-shaped tanzanite will be a good option.
- If you end up buying tanzanite jewelry make sure you never subject it to an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Either take it to a professional or clean it at home with mild soap water and a soft cloth.
- Tanzanite is a valuable and rare gem, therefore it should be treated as one. Keep it aside if you intend to participate in activities, such as swimming, sports, cleaning, gardening, etc. Also, keep it away from any kind of harsh chemicals.
- Fake tanzanites are a reality; they’re usually made of colored glass or colored cubic zirconia. To avoid being sold a fake, always ensure you buy tanzanite jewelry from a reputable brand, one that will provide you with the Certificate of Authenticity.
Also Read – How Should I Care for My Tanzanite Jewelry?
