1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Tanzanite vs Aquamarine
Which is the Best Blue Gemstone to Choose?
Tanzanite and Aquamarine are two of the most captivating blue gemstones available. While they share serene blue hues, their composition, hardness, value, and care requirements differ significantly.
This comprehensive Tanzanite vs Aquamarine comparison guide will help you understand the differences and decide which gemstone best fits your jewellery or collection.
Tanzanite vs Aquamarine: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tanzanite | Aquamarine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Zoisite | Beryl |
| Hardness | 6.5 – 7 | 7.5 – 8 |
| Value | Moderate to high; rare gemstone | Moderate; widely available luxury gemstone |
| Best For | Fine jewellery, statement pieces, collectors | Everyday jewellery, engagement rings, pendants |
| Professional Guides | Tanzanite Buyer’s Guide | Aquamarine Buyer’s Guide |
Tanzanite Features, Colour & Rarity Explained
Tanzanite is prized for its rich, violet-blue hue and exceptional brilliance. Its trichroic nature means it can appear blue, violet, or burgundy depending on the viewing angle. Tanzanite is relatively soft (Mohs 6.5–7), so care is essential.
Origins & History:
Found only in northern Tanzania, Tanzanite is rare and sought after for high-end jewellery. Its rarity makes it a desirable choice for collectors and fine jewellery.
Price Guide (per carat):
R8,000 – R150,000 depending on colour intensity and size.
Aquamarine Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Aquamarine is a naturally clear, cool blue gemstone, often pale to medium in tone. It is part of the Beryl family and is slightly harder than Tanzanite (Mohs 7.5–8), making it excellent for daily wear.
Origins & History:
Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Madagascar. It has long been associated with calm, clarity, and protection, and is highly valued for engagement rings and classic jewellery pieces.
Price Guide (per carat):
R2,500 – R35,000 depending on colour and clarity.
Tanzanite vs Aquamarine: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Tanzanite | Aquamarine |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Calcium aluminium silicate (Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)) | Beryllium aluminium silicate (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) |
| Colour | Violet-blue, deep blue, trichroic hues | Sky blue, pale blue, medium blue |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7; softer, careful wear required | 7.5 – 8; durable for daily jewellery |
| Refractive Index | 1.69 – 1.70 | 1.577 – 1.583 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.35 | 2.68 – 2.74 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Typically eye-clean; minor inclusions accepted | Usually very clean; few inclusions visible |
| Origin | Northern Tanzania | Brazil, Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar |
| Treatment | Heat treatment common to enhance blue colour | Usually untreated; some heat treatment possible |
| Best Use | Collectors, statement jewellery, occasional wear | Daily wear jewellery, engagement rings, pendants |
Tanzanite vs Aquamarine: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Tanzanite: Rich violet-blue, trichroic.
- Aquamarine: Clear sky-blue, calm and serene.
Hardness & Durability:
- Tanzanite: Mohs 6.5–7; avoid impact and scratches.
- Aquamarine: Mohs 7.5–8; excellent for everyday wear.
Care Tips:
- Tanzanite: Store separately, avoid heat and chemicals.
- Aquamarine: Durable but keep away from harsh impacts; clean with mild soap.
How to Tell Tanzanite and Aquamarine Apart
💡 Tip: Look for colour saturation and trichroic effect in Tanzanite. Aquamarine is paler and more uniform in colour. Professional verification recommended for high-value stones.
Tanzanite Summary
- Hardness: 6.5 – 7
- Colour: Violet-blue, trichroic
- Refractive Index: 1.69 – 1.70
- Inclusions: Minor, eye-clean
- Care: Store carefully; avoid impact and chemicals
Aquamarine Summary
- Hardness: 7.5 – 8
- Colour: Sky blue to medium blue
- Refractive Index: 1.577 – 1.583
- Inclusions: Very few, usually eye-clean
- Care: Suitable for daily wear; protect from hard knocks
Buying Tips
- Always request certification for Tanzanite.
- Check Aquamarine colour and clarity; darker blues are more valuable.
- Consider jewellery setting for Tanzanite due to lower hardness.
- Browse our Tanzanite Gemstones and Aquamarine Gemstones.
Which Blue Gemstone Should You Choose?
Both gemstones are stunning; choice depends on personal preference, durability, and budget.
Tanzanite: Rare, collectible, statement jewellery.
Aquamarine: Durable, versatile, perfect for daily wear.
1.26 ct Blue Aquamarine – iGemz23352
SKU:
iGemz23352
Original price was: 185.60€.92.83€Current price is: 92.83€.
Tanzanite vs Aquamarine FAQ’s
Can Tanzanite be worn daily?
Only with care; avoid impact due to Mohs 6.5–7 hardness.
Is Aquamarine more durable than Tanzanite?
Yes, Mohs 7.5–8 makes it suitable for daily jewellery.
Do both gemstones come untreated?
Tanzanite is usually heat-treated; Aquamarine mostly untreated.
Which gemstone is better for collectors?
Tanzanite due to rarity and vivid colour.
Are Aquamarines good for engagement rings?
Yes, their durability and clear blue colour make them ideal.
How to differentiate Tanzanite from Aquamarine?
Look for trichroism and richer violet hues in Tanzanite.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
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