The Battle of Blue Beauties: Tanzanite vs. Aquamarine

For centuries, gemstones have captivated humanity with their charm, elegance and poise. Among the legion of gemstones found across the globe, two blue gemstones that stand out gracefully are

“Aquamarine” and “Tanzanite”

Their unique characteristics and captivating hues makes them perennial favorites among the gemstones enthusiasts and collectors.

But in the battle of two beauties which gemstone emerges victorious? Let’s explore the answer to this question through the means of this blog.

Tanzanite- A Gem from the Heart of East Africa

Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is a deep blue-violet variety of mineral zoisite. The beautiful gemstone is found only in Tanzania, making it unique in every sense.

Another fact associated with the gemstone is that it is one of the three birthstones that represent the month of December and the best part of the gemstone is that it can be stored and carried for generations.

The uniqueness of the gemstone lies in the fact that it is found in various shades of colors ranging from deep blue-violet to lavender. This unique property of this beautiful gemstone makes it a wonderful addition to accessories of daily lives.

Isn’t it!!

Wondering from where does it receive its hue?

This beautiful gemstone receives its unique hue from the traces of Vanadium.

And another fact associated with the rare gemstone is that it is the official anniversary stone for couples celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary. So remember this fact and don’t forget to gift your partner a beautiful tanzanite ornament to make your anniversary a memorable affair and make her feel special!

Aquamarine- The Tranquil Sea Essence

Compared to tanzanite, aquamarine possesses a rich history which dates back to ancient times.

Having its name derived from two Latin words “Aqua” and “Marina” meaning water of the sea; the gemstone aptly captures its serene blue-green tones reminiscent of the ocean's deep depths.

The gemstone possesses a significant value since ancient times because of its unique powers as the stone is believed to bring good luck, health, and happiness to its wearer.

A good luck charm for couples celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary, aquamarine is also lucky for people who celebrate their birthday in the month of March.

Now that we have a fair bit of idea about both the gemstones, let us scroll through the points below to understand how these stones differ from each other.

The clash of titans- Aquamarine vs Tanzanite

Aquamarine and Tanzanite are two titans in the gemstone industry so a clash is bound to happen. Let’s explore what sets these gemstones apart from each other.

Color and Tone

Found only in Tanzania, Tanzanite’s coloration ranges from light-blue violet to deep sapphire blue. The color of the gemstone depends on how its trichoric properties are reflected via light.

Compared to Tanzanite, Aquamarine possesses bright green-blue hue accompanied with an almost glassy appearance when it is cut into translucent facets.

One of the key points that differentiate them from each other is their tone. Tanzanite boasts of more saturation and intensity.

Same does not go for Aquamarine as it has a paler hue which is easier to match with jewelry designs or clothing.

Because of its unique trichoric property, tanzanite is able to display three colors simultaneously, making it unique. The gemstone can appear in shades of purple, blue, or reddish brown depending on the angle and lighting of the gem.

With the subtle combination of bold greens and blues, aquamarine is often associated with oceanic beauty and vibes, giving it a sparkling electric feel when it reflects light as aquamarine is both energizing and soothing to the wearer.

Clarity

Aquamarine is renowned for its clarity and transparency as it has few or no visible inclusions. This happens because it is constructed in the form of large crystal structures deep within the earth.

Due to its propensity for visually noticeable inclusions that compromise clarity and alter the stone's overall appearance, tanzanite varies from aquamarine.

Still, tanzanite is frequently eye-clean, which means impurities are invisible to the unaided eye, and it has exceptional clarity.

Durability

Both the gemstones are durable in every sense but their durability scale differs from each other.

While tanzanite has a hardness score ranging between 6-7, aquamarine outscores it with just a small margin of 7-8 on Mohs scale.

Note: Since both stones are heat sensitive, prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight should be avoided to avoid damaging them.

Rarity

In the world of gems, tanzanite is a relatively recent finding, having been identified in 1967. This stone is extremely rare and difficult to find because it can only be found in Tanzania, namely in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Conversely, aquamarine has been used for generations and is found in many countries across the world, including Brazil, Madagascar, India, Pakistan, and Zambia.

While the color and tone of tanzanites and aquamarines may seem similar, tanzanites can be identified by their vivid violet-blue color, which varies from dazzling to deep blue.

Tanzanite is becoming a more and more popular option for jewelry collectors and consumers due to its distinctive tint.

Tanzanite is in higher demand due to its fascinating look as well as its relative rarity when compared to aquamarine. Tanzanite is extremely rare and expensive because it can only be discovered in Tanzania, one location on Earth.

The scarcity of tanzanite has caused its price per carat to rise in comparison to aquamarine. But the clarity, size, and quality of the cut determine how much it costs.

Choosing Your Blue Companion

The choice between aquamarine and tanzanite ultimately comes down to personal taste, financial constraints, and the gemstone's intended purpose.

The captivating color play and scarcity of tanzanite may entice collectors looking for uniqueness, while the serene beauty and reasonable price of aquamarine may draw in those looking for a practical, daily gemstone.

Wearing Tanzanite's brilliant brilliance or embracing Aquamarine's calm elegance, these gemstones are a tribute to the artistry of nature and the ageless appeal of blue-hued treasures.

The struggle between these blue beauties is ultimately unsolved because each stone has a special attraction of its own that draws fans in.

Maybe the real triumph is in appreciating the richness and diversity that both aquamarine and tanzanite contribute to the gemstone industry—a monument to the inexhaustible gifts that nature bestows upon us.