Hello! Has anyone here encountered white tanzanites? Does such a
thing exist? What are they, exactly? I always thought they were blue
or purple.
My sister’s fiancee gave her a white tanzanite ring but I’m a bit
skeptical. I’d appreciate your input on this matter. Thank you.
Dara
Look up Zoisite.
Tanzanite is is the blue/violet variety of zoisite. I’ve never heard
of “white tanzanite”; to my way of thinking it would be akin to
calling white corundum “white ruby”.
Either way, tanzanite is a rather brittle stone and chips easily -
not a good choice for an engagement ring.
There is white zoisite, green zoisite, pink zoisite, red zoisite,
(pink -red -white is thullite from Thule Norway but is mainly opaque
materialswhich we have some of) golden-citrine color, etc Often
people call all these zoisites “tanzanite” as that is what tanzanite
is. Years ago from Tanzania there were major finds now very very a
rare of natural emerald green color tanzanitefrom Tanzania (now in
vaults) as well as a citrine color tanzanite as well These are in
fact posits but marketed as colored natural tanzanites for marketing
purposes There are zoisites in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, etc
Zoisite is used for mineral specimens as well as industrial
applications.
Lee Horowitz
Look up Zoisite.
I would maintain that althoughTanzanite is Zoisite, Zoisite is not
necessarily Tanzanite.
Jerry in Kodiak
And another two cents…
Is a ruby a red sapphire?
A red beryl is a scarlet emerald.
In ancient times a gem’s name referred to its color and not its
gemological make-up.
Sooo, white tanzanite might have been called a diamond or a “real”
tannzanite called an amethyst.
Be well,
Duke
houseofbubba.com
I know this is going to be a rather pedantic posting but I’m old
enough, wise enough and rich enough not to care!
I’m going to apply a lifetime of experience and a qualified
gemologist’s eye to this.
A ruby can only be referred to as such if the principle color agent
is chromium. Even if it’s just pinkish it can be called a ruby! So
long as it responds to a test for chromium it’s ruby. This test is
usually done with a Chelsea Filter.
If it’s colored by anything else it’s best regarded as pink or red
sapphire.
Likewise some beryls are colored green by vanadium not chromium.
These are best regarded as green aquamarine (which is normally
colored by iron) but this is debatable and some gemologists will
certify these stones as emerald. It’s quite rare for them not to
contain a trace of chromium so this is acceptable practice though
the certificate should include this
“Red Beryl” is red beryl. It’s confusing and, I think, slightly
naughty to refer to it as emerald. Do you refer to aquamarine,
heliodor, goshenite and morganite as blue, yellow, white and pink
emerald? Shame on you!
On the other hand that sort of of name-calling can sell an otherwise
dull stone. Pretty red sapphires sell themselves as exotic, lusted
after stones.
Tony Konrath F.G.A.
In ancient times a gem's name referred to its color and not its gemological make-up. Sooo, white tanzanite might have been called a diamond or a "real" tannzanite called an amethyst.
Dana-It depends on whether you are selling or buying.
Jo Haemer
timothywgreen.com
When referring to red sapphires and tanzanites as diamonds or even
scarlet emeralds, I am not talking about buying or selling or
misleading anyone, I am referring to the words themselves and how
words and their definitions evolve and change over time.
If a diamond is pure carbon then is a black diamond really a diamond
or is it faceted coal? Is a white sapphire really sapphire or just
clear corundum? Just wondering out loud and not really looking for an
answer.
Be well,
Duke
houseofbubba.com
Thank you Tony, to continue on your thread – Tanzanite is one
species of Zoisite that is used in the jewelry industry. Thulite is
pink and Anyolite is green. Tanzanite is blue to violet in color.
Other colors of zoisite exist including colorless (white), green,
brown, and pink. The green species (Anyolite) occurs with opaque ruby
crystals in it to make a fantastic cabochon stone.
To call something “white” tanzanite is a misnomer. Properly, this
stone should be called zoisite. However, as Jo just said also, naming
is sometimes done and is viewed differently if you are the buyer or
the seller.
Enjoy your stones.
Interesting musing. Any color gem-grade corundum other than ruby red
and dark pink are usually referred to as sapphire, including clear,
blue, yellow and orange-pink. I’d be more inclined to call “scarlet
emeralds” red beryl.
Diamond is tetrahedrally bound carbon. Black diamonds are
tetrahedral diamond with impurities that make it black. Facetted and
carved anthracite coal is called jet, and used in jewelry. Coal is
closer in structure to graphite, pure carbon hexagonally bound in
layers. Coal will contain a some hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur bound
to the carbon molecules.
— When referring to red sapphires and tanzanites as diamonds or
even scarlet emeralds, I am not talking about buying or selling or
misleading anyone, I am referring to the words themselves and how
words and their definitions evolve and change over time.
If a diamond is pure carbon then is a black diamond really a diamond
or is it faceted coal? Is a white sapphire really sapphire or just
clear corundum? Just wondering out loud and not really looking for
an answer.
Be well,
Duke
houseofbubba.com