Tanzanite Clarity
WHAT DOES CLARITY MEAN?
A tanzanite’s clarity refers to the number of natural features or flaws within a gemstone, called “inclusions”. Compared to other stones likes sapphires, tanzanite usually forms into fairly clean crystals. Thus when buying, perfectly eye-clean stones are the standard.
A example of a heavily included tanzanite. Tanzanite Direct only sells flawless tanzanites, which are “eye clean” and free from inclusions
COLORED STONE CLARITY GRADING
Tanzanite clarity is judged differently from diamonds. While diamonds are examined under magnification, colored gemstones like tanzanite are graded by how clean they appear to the naked eye.
The highest standard is “eye clean” (also referred to as “flawless”), meaning no inclusions are visible without magnification. This is the most valuable clarity grade.
Any tanzanite with visible inclusions should be significantly discounted.
GIA Clarity Grades for Colored Stones
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies tanzanite as a Type I gemstone, which means it is usually flawless to the naked eye.