Everything You Need to Know About Tanzanite Clarity
Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone that originates from only one place in the world- Tanzania. It is a blue-violet variety of zoisite mineral, which was discovered by Manuel de Souza in 1967. Tanzanite’s unique color, rarity, and mystical properties make it one of the most sought-after gemstones globally.
When buying tanzanite or any other gemstone, clarity is an essential consideration. Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal flaws (inclusions) or external blemishes (blemishes) on the surface of a stone. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about tanzanite clarity.
Tanzanite Clarity Grades
Like all other gemstones, tanzanites are graded based on their clarity using internationally recognized standards. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established grading criteria for evaluating a tanzanite’s clarity level:
1. Internally Flawless (IF): This grade represents stones with no visible inclusions under ten times magnification.
2. VVS – Very Very Slightly Included: This grade includes stones with tiny inclusions that are barely visible under ten times magnification.
3. VS – Very Slightly Included: This grade includes stones with minor inclusions that are somewhat easy to see under ten times magnification but do not affect their overall beauty and appearance.
4. SI – Slightly Included: Stones within this range have noticeable inclusions that may be seen without magnification but not too many as they interfere with light passing through the stone.
5. I1-I3 – Included: These grades include stones with significant visible inclusions that impact their transparency and brilliance significantly.
To determine a tanzanite’s exact clarity grade accurately requires trained eyesight and specialized equipment like microscopes and loupes used by professional jewelers or gemologists.
Factors Influencing Tanzanite Clarity
Several factors could impact tanzanite clarity, including the following:
1. Origin: The location where a tanzanite was mined can significantly affect its clarity levels. Some mines may produce stones with more inclusions than others.
2. Cutting and polishing: The way a stone is cut and polished plays an important role in determining its final clarity grade. Poor cutting techniques may leave scratches or other imperfections that could lower the gem’s overall appearance and value.
3. Size: Large tanzanites are less likely to be free of inclusions than smaller ones, making it more challenging to find perfect gems over five carats.
4. Treatment: Some tanzanites undergo heat treatment to improve their color or remove unsightly brown hues, which can also impact their internal structure and clarity level.
Tips for Buying Tanzanite with Excellent Clarity
When shopping for a high-quality tanzanite with excellent clarity, here are some tips you should keep in mind:
1. Verify certification: Ensure that your jeweler provides you with a certificate from reputable gemological organizations such as GIA or American Gem Society (AGS). These certificates provide vital information about the gemstone’s quality and authenticity, including its exact clarity grade.
2. Inspect under magnification: Use a microscope or loupe to inspect your potential purchase carefully thoroughly before buying it to identify any visible flaws that may not be visible without magnification tools.
3. Choose the right cut: Selecting well-cut stones will ensure that light passes through them optimally without interference from inclusions or blemishes affecting their beauty and brilliance levels positively.
4. Buy from reputable sources only: It is best practice always to buy from reputable jewelers who have been certified by professional organizations like AGS or GIA as they guarantee quality products at fair prices backed up by warranties on all purchases.
Conclusion
Tanzanite clarity is a crucial factor to consider when buying this beautiful gemstone. It plays an essential role in determining the stone’s overall beauty, value, and durability. Always choose reputable jewelers who offer certified tanzanites with high clarity levels to ensure you get the best quality for your investment. With the tips outlined above, you can confidently purchase tanzanite with excellent clarity grades and be sure of its authenticity and quality.