Tanzanite Vs Sapphire – Which is the Better Blue Gemstone?

Blue has been the color of luxury and has long been associated with royalty. Tanzanite and sapphire are two of the most extraordinary blue gemstones available in jewelry design. Although both look similar in appearance, only sapphire is durable enough for everyday wear. In addition, it can be quite difficult to differentiate between the two without knowledge. Apart from this, Tanzanite can be an affordable alternative to Sapphire. However, in every other way, both gemstones differ from each other.

Both these gemstones are extremely rarer than Diamonds. High-quality blue sapphires are extremely in demand. However, the regular supply of sapphires is significantly more plentiful than those of Tanzanite. On the other hand, Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery in comparison to Sapphire, which has been traded for thousands of years to almost every location in the world. In its natural structure, Rough Tanzanite is mined in brown color. Its tone can range from a deep, rich blue to an extreme violet.

Here’s a detailed comparison between Tanzanite and sapphire:

●        Tanzanite Vs Sapphire – Origin & Rarity:

Discovered for the first time in 1967, Tanzanite is a modern gemstone as compared to other precious gemstones. It was also termed as “the most beautiful blue stone to be discovered in 2000 years”.  This extraordinary gemstone is mined only in a 1.54 square-mile radius at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

On the other hand, Sapphire has been known to mankind for centuries and has been associated with aristocracy for a long time. In comparison to Tanzanite, the supply of Sapphire is significantly more abundant as it is mined at several locations such as Africa, Australia, Brazil, Burma, Ceylon, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

●        Tanzanite Vs Sapphire – Color:

Tanzanite is as popular a blue gemstone as Sapphire is. The vast majority doesn’t know that Sapphire is available in a range of colors. Pure blue sapphire features a rich, profound tone. On the other hand, Tanzanite shades are mainly blue and purple. The color of top quality tanzanite can equal that of sapphires and it can be hard to differentiate them. Tanzanite is a pleochroic gemstone, implying that it can show various tones when seen at various directions, from blue to violet.

●        Tanzanite Vs Sapphire – Durability:

That’s where sapphire wins. Talking about durability, Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, and is the third most-toughest gemstone after diamond and moissanite. It isn't damaged or scratched easily and is amazing for daily wear, another reason to use sapphires in wedding bands.

Tanzanite is a much more delicate gemstone, ranking 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it considerably more delicate than quartz. This means Tanzanite is prone to scratches. For wedding rings, tanzanite isn't suggested except if mounted in a safe setting and maintained with utmost care. Tanzanite makes marvelous studs and accessories and are free from any danger in these mountings as they are not prone to bumps and knocks.

●        Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Value:

The worth of tanzanite is high because of its rarity and less availability than sapphire. More fine pieces can be valuable too, despite the fact that costs rely upon the gemstone's quality, size, and shading. A sapphire or tanzanite with an oval shape will cost multiple times more than a round-cut stone of comparative size and quality. Stone’s colors with intense saturation are more costly just as bigger ones. The average cost for tanzanite goes from about $100-$500 per carat, while pure tanzanite's rarity makes it worth millions for each carat. The most valuable blue gemstones on the planet are mined in Tanzania, East Africa. Huge, fine-quality tanzanites are very rare and costly. Tanzanite prices range from $75 – $90 per carat for sizes under 1ct. In the event that it is top-quality rich-colored with amazing clarity (SI2 or better), it can sell upwards of $800 per carat!

●        Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Status and Reputation:

Sapphire has always had a royal association, and was worn by Royals and the clergy for hundreds of years. It is significant that the world's most renowned engagement ring is the iconic blue sapphire ring of Princess Diana, worn now by Kate Middleton. It is the most conspicuous blue gemstone and among the most expensive.

Tanzanite can't contend with this status since it has a modern history. However, it has been termed as ‘the most beautiful stone discovered over the most recent 2000 years!’ Furthermore, because of its rarity, it is getting more popular in the jewelry world as a gemstone to buy before the primary sources run out.

●        Tanzanite vs Sapphire – Treatment:

 The fact that tanzanites frequently go under heat treatment to enhance their color (to make them look more like sapphires) is the thing that makes them substantially less valuable than natural ones. A few sorts of fake tanzanites do not need to be heat-treated. In any case, this method produces an alternate kind of gemstones called "synthetic colored" rather than Natural.

Conclusion:

Both sapphires and tanzanites have their own charms. The gemstone you pick relies upon the reason for your purchase. Assuming toughness as priority, then sapphire is the better decision. It is also more valuable, expensive and trendy.

On the other hand, Tanzanite is a beautiful and more moderate choice, and has generally excellent investment potential yet isn't pretty much as tough as sapphire. Despite being similar colors, both are different from each other and please buyers in their own way. Hoping to add a tanzanite or a sapphire to your gems collection, choose wisely.

In case you are searching for investment options− assuming you need your loved one to appreciate the gem's worth and save it as a family treasure for ages − Tanzanite is a perfect choice. Also, in case you are hoping to purchase a classy present for somebody who likes blue stones that can be worn each day -then sapphires are awesome! Sapphire wedding bands – particularly huge or fancy ring settings can cost significantly less than comparable fine-size high quality tanzanite.