Is Tanzanite Rarer Than Diamonds?

Tanzanite: Rare and Brilliant

Upon its discovery, tanzanite was bestowed with various accolades like ‘the gemstone of the century’ and ‘most beautiful blue gem’. It certainly owes all this fame to its captivating hue, its status of being a brand-new discovery, and most importantly for being extremely rare.

Yes, it’s true. To date, tanzanites have been found only in Tanzania in an area of roughly 7×2 km where it was first mined. Some geologists say that the circumstances leading to the formation of this gem, millions of years ago, are so exceptional that finding it anywhere else across the world is nearly impossible.

This fact makes tanzanites almost a thousand times rarer than diamonds. And also makes tanzanite jewelry for women a great addition to every box. That’s not all, several experts in the gemstone industry also believe that the tanzanite is a quickly depleting gem. In the coming 25 to 30 years or so it will be completely mined out. As a result, tanzanite is also known as the ‘gem of a generation’ since people from future generations will most likely not be able to buy it. Does this make tanzanite rarer than diamonds? Yes, it does.

Now that we know that tanzanite is rarer than diamonds, let’s discover more about these two fascinating gemstones.

Diamond vs. Tanzanite

Diamonds, one of the hardest naturally occurring substances found on earth, are truly incredible. They were formed billions of years ago and are currently mined in large quantities in several locations around the globe.

The combination of durability, brilliance and beauty makes them a must-have on everyone’s list.

When it comes to tanzanites, the important thing to remember is that we’ve known about their existence for only about 50 years now. In this relatively short period, this gem has managed to sweep people off their feet with its undeniable beauty. So it’s not a surprise that tanzanite is considered a close competitor to the world’s top three precious gemstones i.e., ruby, sapphire and emerald. Plus, the tanzanite is likely to be found only for a few more decades, which adds to its desirability.

Let’s look at more differences below:

• Rarity: If you’re wondering about tanzanite rarity compared to diamonds, tanzanite is significantly rarer than diamonds, as it is found only in a single location at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.  The supply of tanzanite is finite, while diamonds are mined globally.

• Durability: When it comes to durability, diamonds reign supreme, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. In fact, diamonds are considered to be the hardest naturally occurring material on Earth. On the other hand, tanzanite scores between 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it's softer and requires more careful handling as compared to diamonds.

• Color: Tanzanite has a stunning blue-violet hue that changes depending on the light, giving it a unique color-shifting effect. Diamonds, on the other hand, are known for their brilliant sparkle and come in a variety of fancy colors like blue, pink, yellow and more, with colorless diamonds being a popular choice.

• Investment: Tanzanite’s rarity suggests potential value appreciation, but its market is less established than that for diamonds. While diamonds have a long history as a stable investment, tanzanite’s value is more speculative, driven by demand and its dwindling supply.

Conclusion

Both the diamond and tanzanite are wonderful gems. When it comes to tanzanite vs. diamond rarity, however, the bluish-violet jewel wins the battle, hands down. With its limited mining area, pleochroism (ability to showcase different colors when viewed from different angles), along with high demand and scarce availability certainly makes the tanzanite a gem to watch out for. Want to discover more rare gemstones? Then, consider giving this a read: Which are the rarest gemstones in the world?

Whether you want to add tanzanite jewelry for women to your collection or are planning to shop diamond jewelry, Angara has a stunning selection for you to choose from. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is tanzanite so rare?

Tanzanite is mined from a single-source location, and geologists predict the mines could be depleted within a few decades, making it a true collector’s gem.

2. Why isn’t tanzanite as famous as diamonds?

Tanzanite isn’t as famous as diamonds because it’s relatively new to the market and only found in one place—the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. While it’s stunning and unique, diamonds have a long history of being the go-to gemstone for engagement rings and luxury jewelry.

3. Which is better for an engagement ring, tanzanite or diamond?

Diamonds are the traditional, durable choice for engagement rings, symbolizing timeless love. Tanzanite is a unique, beautiful option, but it's softer and may require more care for everyday wear.