Known for being the epitome of rarity and beauty, the tanzanite is on everyone’s wish list. But is it durable or does it chip easily?
Read this article to find out.
First Things First…
A gem’s toughness or durability refers to its ability to withstand damage. Needless to say, the more durable a stone, the more suitable it is to withstand the brunt of everyday wear.
In 1822, Friedrich Mohs devised the Mohs scale of mineral hardness to rank different jewels based on their toughness. Here, each stone was given a rating from 1 (most malleable) to 10 (exceptionally sturdy) based on its resistance to getting scratched.
On this scale, the tanzanite has a rating of 6 to 7, which means that while it isn’t extremely weak, it can get damaged if hit hard enough. In addition to this, tanzanite also displays the perfect cleavage, which means that it can break if subjected to a hard blow.
Hence, while this stone may not be the weakest of the lot, it can definitely get chipped if you aren’t careful enough.
Can You Protect the Tanzanite in Any Way?
Yes, you can!
The metal and the setting of your accessory can go a long way in protecting this jewel in the long run.
Metal
Taking tanzanite’s rich violet-blue hue into account, platinum is undoubtedly the most suitable and practical option for this gemstone. It is essentially a silverish-white precious metal that is known for its sophisticated looks as well as durability. These features enable this metal to give the tanzanite an extra layer of protection and reduce the maintenance required overall as well.
Platinum’s Other USPs
- Rarity: Believe it or not, this precious metal is five times rarer than gold, which makes it an extremely prized and cherished possession for most.
- Hypoallergenic: Unlike some other metals, platinum is used in its purest form. As such, it is devoid of elements that may cause allergic reactions to some. Platinum, therefore, is a safe and wonderful option for those with sensitive skin.
- Spotlights the stone’s hue: The soft, subtle glow of platinum intensifies the tanzanite’s violet-blue brilliance, and results in a more appealing look.
- Low maintenance: Platinum doesn’t tarnish and can therefore withstand the test of time with little to no maintenance.
Setting
The gemstone setting refers to the metal part of the design which is crafted in different ways to hold the jewel in place. There are two types of settings that work well with the tanzanite…
1. Bezel
This is one of the most secure setting options present today and works by surrounding the entire gem in metal, leaving only the surface of the jewel exposed. This prevents the stone from snagging on clothes or any other material and provides an extra barrier of protection.
2. Channel
This setting consists of two metal strips placed on either side of the gemstone. It secures the jewel in place and shields it from damage that may come its way.
In conclusion, while the tanzanite can certainly chip, with the right metal and setting, you are bound to feel more confident in your choice of jewellery.
