Tanzanite for Everyday Wear?

Being in the jewelry and gemstone business, and having a big portion of our business in Tanzanite, a common question we get relates to wearing Tanzanite each day and the durabibility of everyday wear.

The short answer? Yes, you can wear tanzanite every day, provided you understand its "personality." It isn't a diamond, but it isn't a delicate flower, either. Think of tanzanite like a high-end luxury car: it’s built beautifully and performs well, but you probably shouldn’t take it off-roading. Like that explanation? Thought so.

Hardness vs. Toughness of Tanzanite

To set the right expectations of wearing this gemstone, we have to look at two different factors:

• Hardness (7 on the Mohs Scale): Tanzanite is harder than steel and glass. It resists scratching quite well against most everyday objects. For context, it's similar in hardness to an emerald or a garnet. All gemstones that are worn regularly and that we sell a lot of in rings and pendants...and even earrings and bracelets.

• Cleavage: Tanzanite has "perfect cleavage," which is a fancy gemology term meaning it can chip if hit at just the right angle with significant force. This is the same with many other gemstones as well.

How to Wear Tanzanite Wisely

You don't need to keep your tanzanite in a vault, except for safe keeping, but a little "gem-sense" goes a long way to keeping your Tanzanite like new:

• The Best Settings for Tanzanite: If you want a daily ring, consider a bezel setting (where metal wraps around the edges) or a low-profile mounting. These protect the stone from accidental knocks against granite/quartz countertops or door frames.

• Lifestyle Choices: Tanzanite is a superstar for earrings and necklaces because they rarely hit hard surfaces. For rings, just make it a habit to take it off before the gym, gardening, or house cleaning.

• Cleaning: Skip the ultrasonic cleaners or steam machines. Gemstone jewelers will know not to do this, but make sure to tell them if you take your ring somewhere (not us) to get cleaned. Warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush are all you need to keep that violet-blue spark alive.

The Bottom Line

Tanzanite is plenty durable for a lifetime of wear if treated with the respect a rare, 600-million-year-old gemstone from Tanzania deserves. If you treat it like a precious heirloom rather than a tool, it will look just as stunning decades from now as it does today.