How to tell the difference between lapis lazuli and tanzanite
Lapis lazuli and tanzanite are gemstones that look very similar, but they are actually quite different. Although they come from two different places and have totally unique properties, they’re often mistaken for one another, which can be confusing to consumers. The good news is that these two stones aren’t difficult to differentiate, so you can make your purchases with confidence after reading this article on how to tell the difference between lapis lazuli and tanzanite.
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli is a type of rock that is blue in color. It is a relatively soft gemstone but has a high specific gravity. Lapis Lazuli is found in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Australia, Canada, Chile, and the United States. The name lapis lazuli means blue stone. Tanzanite is also a type of rock that comes in different colors including blue. Like lapis lazuli, it is also not as hard as some other types of gems. However, it does have less specific gravity than lapis lazuli.
What is Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a blue gemstone that is often mistaken for lapis lazuli. It was first discovered in northern Tanzania in 1967. Tanzanite is a type of mineral zoisite. The color of tanzanite can range from pale blue to deep violet blue, depending on its chemical impurities. In some light, it looks violet-purple with a little bit of gold mixed in. Unlike most other gems, tanzanite’s color does not change when exposed to ultraviolet light. Lapis lazuli is found worldwide but primarily mined in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
What is the difference between tanzanite and lapis lazuli?
The difference between lapis lazuli and tanzanite is not always clear, but there are some ways in which you can distinguish the two. Lapis lazuli often contains white streaks or dots on its surface, while tanzanite is clear and has a blue-to-purple hue. Lapis lazuli also has a significantly greater hardness than tanzanite, as well as a more refractive index and fluorescence. Tanzanite typically has higher levels of nickel, chrome, and cobalt (which contribute to its color) whereas the level of those elements for lapis lazuli is typically lower.
Is there a way to test them before buying?
If you are looking for a way to test these two stones before buying gemstones, you will need to look closely. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue stone that can be found in different colors with gold flecks. Tanzanite is a deep blue-purple stone with purple or violet flecks of darker colors. They both aren’t opaque stones tanzanite gemstone beads are translucent but lapis lazuli is opaque, but they have different visual effects. The coloration patterns in the minerals create an optical effect which means they might reflect light differently than what they would appear on their own without any interference. There are also physical tests one can do on each gemstone like testing their hardness or refractivity index, but this may require some experience or knowledge about gemstones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are some similarities in how lapis lazuli and tanzanite look, they are two different types of gemstones. Lapis is a blue stone that has been mined for over 6,000 years and is known for its rich history. Tanzanite is a rare stone that can be found only in one place on Earth: Tanzania. When looking at these natural gemstones side-by-side it is easy to see their differences. For example, tanzanite is a more reddish color than lapis lazuli which is usually a darker blue. Some people say you should always buy from an authorized dealer so you know what you're buying but this isn't true since most dealers are honest. The best way to determine whether or not the stones are genuine is by knowing what each type of stone looks like and by using common sense; if something seems too good to be true then it probably is!