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Fancy Tanzanite has taken the market by storm with its rarity and high collectible value. This new gem, only discovered in 1967 and bound to disappear from our mines in the next few decades, has mesmerized more than one with its intense blues and deep violet hues. Scientifically called Blue Zoisite, the gem was given the name ‘Tanzanite’ by famous jeweler, Tiffany & Co in 1968 after its country of origin and only source, Tanzania.
However, the best kept secret of the Tanzanite trade lies in the existence of even rarer pieces of Tanzanite. While Blue Zoisite is already considered a million times rarer than diamond and is featured among some of the rarest gems in the world, some even rarer versions of the stone can be found in shades of vibrant Green, golden Yellow, delicate Pink, intense Orange and subtle Lilac.
These different colored zoisites are more commonly known as Fancy Tanzanite. This extraordinary occurrence is said to be the result of residues of varying minerals and elements at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro causing the formation of different colored zoisites.
For example, the blue-violet pigment we all love in Tanzanites is a result of the presence of Vanadium in the bedrock, however, Pink Tanzanite is said to contain traces of Manganese giving it its delicate rosy hue.
Blue Tanzanite, as we know it, is naturally brownish and acquires its clear blue pigmentation through a mix of natural and mild artificial heat-treatments which help clear out the brown residues. Fancy Tanzanites on the other hand are said to be naturally heat-treated only, that is the stones are heated by the temperature of the earth before the mining process.
One of the main things people consider when evaluating a Fancy Tanzanite is the purity of its color. Most mineral zoisites usually have a naturally occurring brown or greyish undertone which is undesirable. Clear and transparent zoisites are thus of higher value.
However, due to their rarity, the probability of mining a Fancy Tanzanite above 1 carat with pure colors is slim. Nevertheless, collectors are usually more than willing to pay a premium price for even the smallest pieces as they have incredible collectible value.
If we had to rank Fancy Tanzanite in order of rarity and value, pink and purple Tanzanite would easily make the top of the list as they are extremely rare, often selling at twice or even thrice the price of a Blue Tanzanite. These two would be closely followed by green, orange and lastly golden yellow.
The secret existence of these unique and stunning stones has been kept between high-end collectors and gemologists for many years. However, if you are an avid lover of rare gemstones, adding a set of Fancy Tanzanites to your list of future investments might be just what you need to crown your collection. Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our stores to find your perfect Fancy Tanzanite.
