Gem and mineral hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, with Diamond being the hardest mineral (10) and Talc being the softest (1). Tanzanite sits at between 6 and 7 on the scale - a similar hardness to Garnet and Moonstone.
Tanzanite is not a gem that should break easily but it can scratch more easily than harder coloured gems like Ruby and Sapphire.
Due to Tanzanite's relative softness, it should be treated with respect. It is generally advised that you should not wear coloured gemstones while doing heavy or rough work (such as cleaning, gardening or performing sports activities) avoid contact with gritty substances and remove whilst swimming due to the chlorine in pools.
Gems with a hardness of 6-7 or greater are quite suitable for rings which are worn occasionally. But for a ring like a wedding or engagement ring, intended for everyday wear over a period of years, a hardness rating of 8-10 (for example Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Topaz, Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite or Diamond) is recommended.
When worn, pendants are much more protected than rings, so Tanzanites are fine to wear every day as a pendent. I’d still recommend removing them before sports or swimming, or showering.
tanzanite
On a personal note, I’ve worn Tanzanite jewellery out on many occasions, but treat it more like event/cocktail jewellery. In the Tanzanite Trillion rings I’ve designed, the claws are a little larger to protect the corners of the triangle, and the halo of diamonds surrounding the main stone, also helps to protect the Tanzanite.
To clean Tanzanite, never use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner (often found in jewellers). The best method is simply to use a toothbrush and warm, soapy water.
Looking to buy Tanzanite Jewellery? Check these out:
18ct White Gold Pendant with 2.6ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a Trilliant cut 2.6ct Tanzanite, set with claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop.
There are 18 diamonds of total weight 0.24ct (G colour and VS clarity).
If you purchase the Zenith Ring and Necklace as a set for £14,045 inc VAT, the earrings are free (that's a saving of £2950!). Please call or email me to arrange purchase.
This tanzanite:
This beautiful trillion shaped Tanzanite is 8.8mm high x 8.17mm wide x 5.8mm deep.
This Tanzanite was mined on the 10th August 2017. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below. It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
I purchased it on the 20th November 2017.
18ct White Gold Earrings with Tanzanites and Diamonds
These beautiful 18ct white gold earrings feature a pair of Trillion cut Tanzanites of total weight 0.62 ct, set with split claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and earring hoop.
There are 36 diamonds of total weight 0.30ct (F colour and VS clarity).
If you purchase the Zenith Ring and Necklace as a set for £14,045 inc VAT, the earrings are free (that's a saving of £2950!). Please call or email me to arrange purchase.
The Tanzanites in these earrings:
This matched pair are absolutely top colour, which is very unusual in Tanzanites of this size. They are 4.8mm high x 4.8mm wide x 2.89mm deep each.
This pair of Tanzanites were mined on the 16th August 2017. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of these actual Tanzanites in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
The pair were cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
I purchased them on the 25th August 2017.
As my ‘other’ job is graphic design, I wanted to say that these earrings have never been worn - Any shots with a model wearing earrings is purely through the magic of Photoshop!
18ct White Gold Ring with 7.6ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
A beautiful 7.60ct trillion cut Tanzanite, set on an 18ct White Gold claw set band. Mounted with 27 round brilliant cut Diamonds, totalling 0.45ct (F colour and VS Clarity).
This really is a powerful statement piece!
This ring is size P - I can arrange complimentary re-sizing up to two sizes larger or smaller.
This Tanzanite:
This stunning Trillion cut Tanzanite is 7.60ct and 12.22mm high x 12.08mm wide x 8.52mm deep.
It was mined on the 3rd February 2017. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
I purchased it on the 4th July 2017.
18ct FairTrade White Gold Pendant with 2.6ct Cushion cut Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct FairTrade white gold pendant features a cushion cut 2.6ct Tanzanite, set with claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop.
There are 39 diamonds of total weight 0.25ct (F colour and VS2 clarity).
It is attached to an 18ct White Gold curb link chain.
The Tanzanite in this pendant:
This beautiful cushion cut Tanzanite is 9.5mm high x 7.08mm wide x 4.77mm deep.
This Tanzanite was mined on the 6th February 2019. Mining Location : Block D, Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 1.88ct Pale Green Tanzanite and Diamonds
This apple green Tanzanite was discovered in Merelani, Tanzania on the 1st June 2019. This rare stone will show tones of green, blue, violet and yellow, depending on the light.
It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya. before I purchased it on the 2nd August 2019 to design the beautiful 18ct white gold pendant pictured.
Set in a split claw mount, within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop - (35 diamonds: total diamond weight 0.16ct, F colour and VS2 clarity) - the beauty of this princess cut, natural 'fancy' pale green Tanzanite gemstone can’t be ignored. It hangs from an 18ct White Gold curb style chain.
I wanted this gem to be the centrepiece of an Art Deco style pendant. I designed this necklace to stand out from the crowd – just exactly as a unique piece of jewellery should.
This Tanzanite:
This beautiful 1.88ct princess cut natural pale apple green Tanzanite is 7.64mm high x 7mm wide x 4.5mm deep.
A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
It’s named after a truly remarkable young lady!
18ct White Gold Pendant with 4.03ct Green Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a rare and beautiful pear shaped 4.03ct Natural 'Fancy' Green Tanzanite, set with split claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop.
There are 23 diamonds (total diamond weight 0.3ct, F colour and VS clarity).
White Gold chains are available separately.
This Tanzanite:
This beautiful 4.03ct pear shaped Natural Green Tanzanite is 11.44mm high x 8.55mm wide x 6.67mm deep.
This Tanzanite was mined on the 8th August 2014. Mining Location: Merelani, Tanzania. A photo of this actual Tanzanite in the rough (i.e. before cutting and polishing) is on the mining report below.
It was cut by master cutters in Tanzania and then sent for laser inscription and GIA certification in Kenya.
I purchased it on the 19th September 2017.
18ct White Gold Pendant with 3.17ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
This beautiful 18ct white gold pendant features a Trilliant cut 3.17ct Tanzanite, set with split claw mounts within a brilliant-cut diamond micro-set halo and pendant loop and hanging from an 18ct white gold chain.
There are 19 diamonds of total weight 0.22ct (F colour and VS clarity).
This was a fabulous 40th Birthday present from a generous Husband who visited my pop-up shop at Silverstone!
A beautiful 3.81ct trillion-cut Tanzanite (h:9.62mm w:9.5mm d:6.72mm), set on an 18ct white gold band, surrounded with a halo of 18 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling 0.2ct (F colour and VS Clarity). The deep blue really stands out in this gem shape.
If you purchase the Zenith Ring and Necklace as a set for £14,045 inc VAT, the earrings are free (that's a saving of £2950!). Please call or email me to arrange purchase.