The Beauty and Flaws of Tanzanite: Understanding Carbon Spots in This Unique Gemstone

Tanzanite is a gemstone that has gained popularity in recent years. Its unique blue-violet hue and rarity have made it a desirable stone for those seeking something different from traditional gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. However, Tanzanite also has its flaws and one of these is carbon spots.

Carbon spots are black or dark grey inclusions found inside the stone. They can be small dots that resemble black pepper specks or larger blotches that cover a significant portion of the gem’s surface area. These spots are caused by the presence of carbon, which forms during the crystal formation process.

While carbon spots can detract from the beauty of Tanzanite, they do not necessarily affect its value significantly. The severity and location of the spot(s) within the gemstone will determine how much it impacts its worth. For instance, if there is only one small dot on an otherwise clean surface area, then it may not make much difference to its price tag compared to a similar-sized tanzanite without any carbon spots at all.

However, when there are several large and visible carbon spots that affect the overall appearance of Tanzanite, it can lower its value considerably as buyers might consider them as flaws affecting their aesthetic appeal.

There are ways to minimize or eliminate carbon spots in Tanzanite but these methods cannot guarantee 100% success rates nor do they come without risks such as damage to your precious gemstones:

1) Heat Treatment – This method involves heating up tanzanites at very high temperatures for extended periods until their internal gases escape through tiny cracks formed during this process resulting in less noticeable inclusion marks if done correctly by experienced jewelers.

2) Fracture Filling – In this method, jewellers inject resin into fractures present on tanzanite surfaces where Carbon Spots appear hidden inside which fills gaps between grains thereby masking visibility over time; however this technique is temporary by nature and may require reapplication over time.

3) Re-cutting – If carbon spots are present on the surface, jewellers can remove them through re-cutting. However, this method involves removing a significant portion of the gemstone’s weight and can also affect its shape or overall appearance if not done correctly.

It is important to note that all these methods come with their own risks and do not guarantee complete removal of carbon spots. It is always best to consult with an experienced jeweler who has experience in handling Tanzanite before attempting any treatment option.

In conclusion, Carbon Spots in Tanzanite should not necessarily cause alarm as they have little effect on the stone’s value unless there are too many large ones visible. While some treatments exist to minimize their visibility without damaging the gemstone, it is recommended that you contact an experienced jeweller before attempting any of these solutions as they may carry risks associated with each method mentioned above.

If you’re looking for a unique gemstone that does more than just sparkle but also has a story behind it; then Tanzanite might be for you!