Tanzanite Vs. Diamonds
Diamonds are the world's most popular gemstone. However, tanzanite has been gaining popularity almost since its discovery and its rarity only adds to it's charm. It is hard to say which gemstone, diamond or tanzanite, is more popular but both enjoy a large following of collectors and enthusiasts. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Diamond
-
You can find diamonds anywhere there has been volcanic activity or erosion and where elements such as streams, rivers or glaciers might have taken them, according to Diamonds Are Forever. Diamonds are found around the world, including Africa, India, Australia, Canada, China, Russia, South America and the United States.
Diamond Characteristics
-
A diamond is nature's hardest substance. Diamonds rate a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, have a transparent quality and can come in shades of yellow, brown, gray, white, blue, black, red and green, as well as colorless. Diamonds are used not only in jewelry but also for industrial purposes and for drilling, cutting, grinding and polishing procedures, according to Geology.
-
Diamond Cost
-
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reports that diamonds as gemstones are priced according to their quality. The deciding factors for quality are the "4Cs" (carat weight, cut of diamond, clarity and color). As of 2009, you could purchase diamonds for as little as $125 but you could also pay as much as $60,000 or more, especially for larger diamonds.
Tanzanite
-
Tanzanite is found in only one place in the world, according to the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), which is the African state of Tanzania. Tanzanite began gaining popularity when Tiffany & Company started promoting it in 1968.
Tanzanite Characteristics
-
Tanzanite is from the zoisite family and rates a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it a soft stone, and it can crack if subjected to sudden temperature changes. Some tanzanite in its natural state appears brownish in color; it is heat-treated to bring out its inherent color, which is an ultramarine blue to a violet-blue.
Tanzanite Cost
-
As of 2010, the current price for commercial-grade tanzanites of less than a carat is between $100 and $200 per carat, according to E Tanzanite. Prices for larger tanzanites, especially if they are between 3 and 5 carats, range from $550 to $700 per carat.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tanzanite ring image by Julianna Olah from Fotolia.com
