Tanzanite is one of those gems that draw your eyes right away. Its deep blue-violet color is worth every stare. But this gemstone is also as delicate as its natural glow. Whether you’re a jewelry maker or a gemstone collector, you shouldn’t treat this gemstone like harder gems. Since it’s a delicate one, it requires proper care to keep looking good. In this guide, we’ll explore how to clean tanzanite stone.

How Hard Is Tanzanite? Understanding Its Durability

Tanzanite is a fragile stone. It ranks about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This gemstone is harder than lapis lazuli but softer than stones like sapphire or diamond.

Tanzanite is different from other stones because it can split if you hit it at the wrong angle. It is more likely to chip and crack than many other gemstones because of this. 

While this gemstone can be worn in jewelry, it’s best suited for pieces like pendants, earrings, or occasional-wear rings rather than everyday use. However, tanzanite can stay beautiful for years if you handle it carefully and take care of it properly.

Can Tanzanite Go in Water?

Tanzanite can tolerate a brief contact with the water. But if you’re wondering how to clean tanzanite, know that it’s not a water-friendly stone. Hence, it should never be soaked or exposed to water often.

Short rinses while cleaning gently are usually fine, but leaving the stone in water for a long time can weaken it over time, especially if the water is warm or has soap or chemicals in it. Water exposure can also affect the jewelry setting, which can make the stone loose over time. 

To be safe, take off your tanzanite jewelry before you shower, swim, or wash the dishes. It will help keep the gemstone as timeless as the first day you wore it.

Steps to Clean Tanzanite Jewelry

Tanzanite jewelry is delicate. Thus, you need to be careful with both the stone and the setting. 

Here’s how to clean tanzanite jewelry:

Step 1: Look at the setting before you clean

Since tanzanite is softer and has cleavage, gentle handling is more important than aggressive cleaning. Firstly, you should check the stone for chips, cracks, or loose settings before you clean it. If you see any damage, don't clean it and have a professional jeweler look at it.

Step 2: Use lukewarm water and mild soap

Put a drop of mild soap in a bowl of lukewarm water. Don't use hot or cold water because sudden changes in temperature can stress the stone. Also, avoid using strong detergents as it can damage the cleavage of tanzanite.

Step 3: Carefully clean the stone and setting

Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to dip into the solution and gently clean the tanzanite and the metal setting. Be careful and take your time when cleaning, especially around the edges and prongs, where pressure could chip the surface. Don't scrub or use a brush.

Step 4: Quickly and carefully rinse

If you have used soap, rinse the jewelry quickly with clean, lukewarm water or a damp cloth. Get rid of all the soap residue, because buildup can make the stone look dull and affect the metal.

Step 5: Quickly and completely dry the jewelry

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the jewelry. Make sure there is no water left around the stone or in the setting. That’s because the absorbed water can damage the stone in the long-term.

When you buy tanzanite, keep in mind that quality is just as important as care. Stones that are well-cut and of high quality will naturally last longer. At GemstonesforSale, we provide such gemstones that last for generations.

Can Tanzanite Go in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?

No, you should never clean tanzanite with an ultrasonic cleaner. That’s because ultrasonic vibrations are too strong for this stone and can chip it, or even break it completely. Tanzanite has natural cleavage, which means that high-frequency vibrations can easily damage it.

Even if the stone looks fine afterward, tiny cracks can form and make it weaker over time. Instead, always choose gentle, manual cleaning methods to keep both the gemstone and its setting safe.

Want to learn more? Read Tanzanite Gemstone: History, Meaning, Properties and Color Guide to explore its origin, symbolism, and stunning color variations.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Tanzanite

Don't use harsh chemicals or methods when cleaning tanzanite. Strong detergents, chemical cleaners, and rough materials can hurt the stone's surface. They also diminish the stone’s natural shine. Besides this, keep the stone away from hot water, sudden changes in temperature, and long soaking times. Such things can stress the stone and cause cracks.

How to Care for Tanzanite in Daily Wear

Always wear tanzanite jewelry after putting on makeup, perfume, or hair products to keep the stone from losing its shine. You should also take off tanzanite before washing your hands, taking a shower, swimming, or doing chores around the house. That’s because water, sweat, and everyday bumps can hurt both the stone and its setting.

To keep tanzanite looking its best, don't wear it while doing manual work or physical activities where it could get scratched or bumped. Always use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it down after you wear it to get rid of oils and dust. 

How to Store Tanzanite Properly

To keep tanzanite's beauty intact and avoid damage, you should store it carefully. Firstly, you should never keep this gemstone with harder gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, or quartz. Put the stone separately in a soft fabric pouch or a jewelry box with velvet lining to protect its surface from friction.

Tanzanite jewelry should be stored in a cool, dry place that is not exposed to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. Over time, changes in temperature and humidity can affect both the gemstone and its setting. You should always wipe the jewelry with a soft, dry cloth before storing it.

Care Tips for Tanzanite Jewelry Owners and Collectors

Tanzanite is a rare and valuable gemstone, so people who own or collect jewelry should take extra care of it. The stone is soft and has natural cleavage, so it needs to be handled and stored carefully. It helps preserve the stone’s value and beauty over time.

Don't wear tanzanite jewelry every day or when you're doing things that could knock it over or scratch it. If you collect tanzanite, make sure to handle it with clean, dry hands so that oils or moisture don't get on the stone's surface. When showing off tanzanite, keep it out of direct sunlight, heat, and humidity, as these things can damage both the stone and its setting over time.

Always keep your tanzanite jewelry or loose stones in separate soft pouches or padded boxes. You should always check settings every once in a while to make sure they aren't loose, especially in rings. If you need to, then get a professional check on the tanzanite jewelry once every six months or a year.

Keep Your Tanzanite Looking New for Years

Tanzanite can keep its deep color and natural shine for a long time if you take care of it. All you have to do is clean it well and avoid chemical and excess water exposure. In addition to this, consider storing this gemstone separately in a padded box or a fabric pouch. Taking care of this rare gemstone a little bit more will help it look as beautiful as the day you bought it.

If you want to add this stunning stone to your collection, check out these tanzanite stones for sale. They are all high-quality and will last for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tanzanite suitable for everyday wear?

You can wear tanzanite daily but it requires proper care. Since it has a moderate hardness and natural cleavage, it’s vulnerable to chipping.

Can tanzanite get wet?

Yes, it can get wet. Though this gemstone can handle brief contact with water; it should not be soaked or exposed to water frequently. 

Can tanzanite go in an ultrasonic cleaner?

No, ultrasonic cleaners are not safe for tanzanite. The vibrations can cause internal fractures or cracks due to the stone’s natural cleavage.

What is the safest way to clean tanzanite jewelry?

The safest method is gentle hand cleaning using lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth, followed by immediate drying.

Does tanzanite scratch easily?

Tanzanite has a hardness of about 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it can scratch if it comes into contact with harder gemstones or rough surfaces.

Can heat damage tanzanite?

Yes, heat and sudden temperature changes can damage tanzanite. Always keep it away from heat sources and avoid hot water during cleaning.