Tanzanite vs London Blue Topaz — Price Difference & Durability (Mohs, Rarity, and Buying Guide)

Byeugen.lisov@gmail.com

When you’re picking a blue stone for a ring, two names come up again and again: tanzanite and London Blue topaz. They can both give you that deep, desirable blue, but they’re very different beasts — in how hard they are, how fragile (or not) they are, and how much they cost. If you’re shopping with a budget or building an affiliate page, you need clear, actionable info: exact Mohs hardness numbers, what those numbers actually mean for everyday wear, why prices diverge so wildly, and realistic ring picks across price tiers.

This guide does exactly that. We’ll break down the science (hardness, cleavage, toughness), the market realities (rarity, treatments, and pricing), and then show real-world ring examples at budget, mid, and premium price points so you can link to options that convert. No fluff — just the details that matter.

Quick preview — the headline comparison

  • Mohs hardness:
    • Tanzanite: about 6–7.
    • Topaz (including London Blue): 8.
  • Durability in practice: Topaz is significantly harder and more scratch-resistant; tanzanite is softer and more prone to chips if hit at the wrong angle (it also has cleavage that raises breakage risk).
  • Rarity & price: Tanzanite is a single-source gem (Merelani, Tanzania) and is generally rarer and pricier per carat for similar visual quality. London Blue topaz is abundant and commonly produced by treating colorless topaz; it’s far more affordable for similar carat sizes and visual impact.
  • Bottom line: If you want a lifetime, everyday-wear stone that resists scratches, London Blue topaz wins. If you want rarity, distinct violet-blue color, and higher resale/premium potential — and you’ll wear the piece with a bit more care — tanzanite is the prize.

What the Mohs scale actually tells you (and what it doesn’t)

The Mohs scale ranks minerals by their resistance to being scratched by other minerals. It’s simple and useful, but it’s only one part of the durability story.

  • Mohs = scratch resistance (how easily the surface gets scratched). A higher Mohs number means greater scratch resistance. Topaz at 8 will resist most common scratches better than tanzanite at 6–7.
  • Toughness ≠ hardness. Toughness measures how well a stone resists breaking, chipping, or cleaving. A gem can be hard but brittle. That’s critical for rings — hitting a hard but brittle stone on metal or tile can cause a chip even if it won’t scratch easily.
  • Cleavage matters. Some gems split cleanly along crystallographic planes. Tanzanite (a variety of zoisite) has pronounced cleavage and can shatter or chip if knocked at a vulnerable angle. That means you have to be cautious in ring settings for tanzanite, especially in higher-profile solitaire styles. The GIA emphasizes these differences in hardness and cleavage when advising on care.

So Mohs gives you a baseline: expect topaz to take more daily abuse without showing wear. But both gems need thoughtful settings and care to last.

Tanzanite: rarity, durability, and why it costs more

Rarity & supply

Tanzanite is only mined in one place on Earth — the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania. That single-source reality creates natural scarcity and, over time, a market positioning that’s closer to rare colored gems than to widely available semi-precious stones. That rarity fuels demand and price, especially for stones with saturated, vivid blue-violet color.

Optical and structural traits

Tanzanite’s color range (blue to violet) and its trichroism (showing different colors from different angles) give pieces a lively, unique look in the right cut. But structurally, it’s softer and less tough than many jewelry staples:

  • Mohs hardness: about 6–7. That places it well below classic everyday stones like sapphire (9) and topaz (8).
  • Cleavage & toughness: Tanzanite can have clear cleavage planes and is more likely to chip or fracture under impact. Because of that, jewelers often recommend protective settings (bezel, halo) for rings intended for frequent wear.

Treatments & pricing impact

Most tanzanite on the market has been heat-treated to remove brownish undertones and enhance that desirable blue-violet color. Heat treatment is stable and standard — it doesn’t dramatically lower value, but untreated, vivid stones in larger sizes command premium pricing.

Price behavior

Expect tanzanite prices to scale steeply with color saturation and size. A richly saturated 1–2 ct tanzanite in a fine setting can be several times the price of a similar-size London Blue topaz. For affiliate content, link tiers should reflect that — budget tanzanite options are often smaller, lower-quality stones or sterling-silver settings, while premium pieces are mid-to-high four figures (or more) depending on carat and treatment status.

Example tanzanite ring (mid/premium option): Blue Nile’s cushion-cut tanzanite halo ring is a representative premium-style pick — visually saturated stone with diamond accents and precious-metal setting. (product link). Blue Nile

Example budget tanzanite options: Smaller, mass-produced or lab-enhanced tanzanite rings and sterling silver pieces show up on marketplaces like Etsy, where you can offer an entry-level affiliate option. (product link). Etsy

London Blue Topaz: why it’s affordable and durable

Origins & treatment

Topaz occurs naturally in a range of colors; natural blue topaz is rare. The London Blue color is generally created by treating colorless or pale topaz (commonly by irradiation and heat) to reach a deep, slightly grayish-blue tone. Because the base material is abundant, and the treatments are standardized, London Blue topaz is widely accessible at a fraction of tanzanite’s price.

Durability basics

  • Mohs hardness: 8. That’s a practical advantage for rings — it resists scratches from most household materials and holds polish well.
  • Toughness: Topaz has good toughness for daily wear compared to tanzanite, though it can have cleavage directions and occasional brittleness — but overall it’s a solid everyday stone when set sensibly.

Price behavior

Because supply is stable and treatments are common knowledge, topaz prices stay relatively low. A visually impressive London Blue topaz of 3–5 carats often costs less than a 1–2 ct tanzanite of comparable color depth. That makes London Blue topaz a go-to for larger visual impact on a budget.

Example London Blue topaz (budget to mid): Blue Nile carries London Blue and Swiss Blue topaz cocktail rings in the sub-$1,000 range—good for affiliate links that sell mid-range fashion-fine options. (product link). Blue Nile

Example value pick (Etsy/products): Many independent sellers offer 10×8 mm London Blue topaz solitaires in gold or sterling at low prices, which make solid entry-level affiliate items. (product link). Etsy

Side-by-side: how durability affects ring choices

When you pick a ring, the stone’s hardness and toughness should inform the setting, metal, and intended use.

If you want everyday wear:

  • Choose London Blue topaz in a secure setting (prongs or bezel). At Mohs 8, it handles daily knocks and scratches much better than tanzanite. Consider lifetime-wear metals (14k/18k gold, platinum) for settings, and a low-profile bezel if you want extra protection.

If you want special-occasion or careful daily wear:

  • Choose tanzanite for rarity and color. Use protective settings — halo, bezel, or three-stone designs that lower the risk of direct impact on the main stone. Expect to avoid activities that could cause blunt force on the finger (sports, heavy manual work).

If you want large visual impact for a low price:

  • Choose London Blue topaz. You can buy bigger carat sizes at a much lower price and get a dramatic presence on the hand without the same risk of scratches.

Price tiers and real product examples (affiliate-ready)

Below are realistic affiliate link suggestions at three price tiers for both tanzanite and London Blue topaz. Links are to representative product pages so you can plug them into comparison boxes or “best of” lists.

Tanzanite — Budget / Entry-Level (under ~$200–$300)

  • Etsy & small sellers: There are many sterling-silver or lower-carat tanzanite rings in this bracket. These make solid entry-level affiliate picks but note clarity and color are usually modest. Useful for shoppers on a tight budget who want the look without deep investment. Example listings on Etsy illustrate this price tier. Etsy

Tanzanite — Midrange (~$500–$2,500)

  • Brilliant Earth / Blue Nile mid-range pieces: Here you find 0.7–2.0 ct stones, sometimes with diamond accents or higher-quality color. These are good affiliate targets for customers who want an elevated piece that still feels attainable. (See Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth tanzanite collections for mid-tier examples.) Blue Nile

Tanzanite — Premium (>$2,500)

  • Large, vivid, high-clarity stones or designer settings: Because tanzanite’s value jumps quickly with color saturation and size, premium pieces can hit multiple thousands of dollars. These are best for bespoke or high-conversion landing pages targeting serious buyers. (Blue Nile’s higher-end tanzanite halo and designer rings illustrate this tier.) Blue Nile

London Blue Topaz — Budget / Entry-Level (under ~$300)

  • Etsy & mass-market sterling rings: You can get a 10×8 mm oval or emerald cut London Blue topaz set in sterling for well under $300 — a perfect affiliate option for customers who want a bold ring without the cost. (Etsy listing example). Etsy

London Blue Topaz — Midrange (~$300–$1,500)

  • Blue Nile / James Allen cocktail rings: You’ll find 2–5 ct London Blue topaz with diamond accents in gold settings in this price bracket — strong visual impact, reasonable durability, and broad appeal. (Blue Nile cocktail ring example at ~$891 shown). Blue Nile

London Blue Topaz — Premium (>$1,500)

  • Large fine jewelry settings and designer pieces: When paired with high-karat gold or significant diamond accents, a large London Blue topaz can reach $1,500–$3,000+ depending on metal and design. Independent jewelers and boutique stores list premium picks in this range. (Maddaloni example shows a higher-priced 10×8 mm gold-set topaz ring). MaddaloniJewel

Setting and metal recommendations for longevity

Given their different durability profiles, here are practical setting recommendations that help protect your purchase and reduce returns for affiliate customers.

For tanzanite

  • Best settings: Bezel, halo with protective prongs, or lower-profile three-stone settings. These reduce exposure to direct side-impact.
  • Metal: 14k or 18k gold protects well and pairs with tanzanite’s color; platinum is durable but can be overkill for modest stones.
  • Avoid: High solitaire, thin prongs, or exposed cathedral settings if the wearer is likely to be active.

For London Blue topaz

  • Best settings: Prong settings work fine because topaz is harder; bezel is still a solid choice if you want extra protection or a modern look.
  • Metal: 14k/18k gold or sterling silver for budget pieces — topaz is not as reactive, so it pairs well with a variety of metals.

Care and long-term maintenance

Tanzanite care

  • Gentle cleaning only: Warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners can be risky if the stone has inclusions or cleavage weaknesses. GIA explicitly cautions about tanzanite’s cleavage and recommends careful handling.
  • Storage: Keep tanzanite separate from harder gems (sapphires, diamonds) to avoid scratching.
  • Insurance: Because tanzanite can be expensive and is relatively fragile compared to common stones, we recommend insuring higher-value tanzanite rings.

London Blue topaz care

  • Cleaning: Warm water and mild soap is fine; topaz tolerates gentle ultrasonic cleaning in most cases but check with the seller.
  • Storage: Still store separately to avoid scratches from harder stones, but everyday risks are lower than with tanzanite.

Resale and investment notes (short and realistic)

  • Tanzanite has collectible appeal because of its rarity and single-source status. Exceptional stones may hold or gain value, but the market is niche — liquidity isn’t the same as diamonds or sapphires. If your audience buys tanzanite for rarity and color, emphasize long-term care and insurance.
  • London Blue topaz is generally not treated as an investment gem. It’s mainstream, affordable, and a great choice for style and size, but not for capital appreciation.

Final buying checklist (quick reference for readers)

  • Want everyday durability? Pick London Blue topaz (Mohs 8).
  • Want rare color and collectability? Pick tanzanite (Mohs 6–7) and use protected settings like a bezel or halo.
  • If choosing tanzanite, avoid high-profile solitaires unless you’re comfortable with delicate care and occasional professional maintenance.
  • If choosing topaz, you can go larger for less money — great for bold cocktail rings. Blue Nile
  • Always verify treatments and return policies before purchase. For tanzanite, confirm heat treatment and for topaz, confirm irradiation/heat color treatments when relevant.

Quick summary — when to pick which stone

  • Pick London Blue topaz when you want durability, big size for price, and everyday wearability. It’s the practical, budget-savvy choice that still looks great.
  • Pick tanzanite when you want rarity, that violet-blue signature, and a more collectible piece — and you’re willing to protect it and accept a smaller carat size for the same budget.

Similar Posts