Durability and Hardness of Tanzanite

As a leading gemstone company, we aim to provide our customers with comprehensive insights into the durability and hardness of Tanzanite, a gem that captivates with its unique blue-violet hues. Understanding these properties is crucial for any collector or enthusiast, ensuring that their Tanzanite gemstones are treasured and maintained properly.

Tanzanite on the Mohs Scale of Hardness

• Understanding the Scale: The Mohs scale of hardness is an essential tool in gemology, used to determine the scratch resistance of various minerals. This scale ranges from 1 (the softest) to 10 (the hardest, such as a diamond).
• Tanzanite’s Rating: Tanzanite ranks between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s relatively resistant to scratches but is softer than harder gemstones like sapphires and diamonds. This ranking informs how Tanzanite should be worn and handled.

Toughness and Susceptibility to Breakage

• Tanzanite’s Toughness: When discussing gemstone durability, toughness or resistance to breakage is a key factor. Tanzanite is known to have fair to poor toughness, largely due to its crystal structure and cleavage, making it susceptible to breakage if handled roughly.
• Handling Tanzanite: Given its susceptibility to chipping or cracking, Tanzanite should be worn and handled with care. It’s best suited for jewelry pieces that aren’t typically exposed to rough wear, like pendants and earrings, rather than rings or bracelets.

Best Practices for Gemstone Care

• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to preserving Tanzanite’s luster and longevity. This includes routine inspections, especially for Tanzanite sets in jewelry, to ensure settings are secure and the stone isn’t loose.
• Cleaning Tanzanite: Tanzanite should be gently cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap. Use a soft brush to carefully remove any dirt and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaning, as they can damage the stone.
• Proper Storage: Store Tanzanite away from other harder gemstones to prevent scratches. A fabric-lined jewelry box or a soft pouch is ideal for storage. It’s also advisable to keep Tanzanite away from direct sunlight and high temperatures to prevent any potential damage.

At our company, we believe that an informed customer is a satisfied customer. This guide, focused on the Durability and Hardness of Tanzanite, aims to educate on Tanzanite’s place on the Mohs scale, highlighting its toughness and susceptibility to breakage. Our commitment to providing valuable knowledge to our clients enhances their experience with every Tanzanite purchase.