Time for the Pelikan Tanzanite ink review! If you’re a fan of blue or black inks that you can always turn to no matter where you are or what you’re doing, Tanzanite may become your new all the time ink. Read on to see if you need to give it a chance to join your ink collection.
Meet the Ink Maker: Pelikan
Pelikan is a German brand that has been producing fine writing instruments and inks since the early 19th century. Known for their craftsmanship, Pelikan offers luxury pens and inks that pair reliability with elegance. Their Edelstein Ink Collection (“Edelstein” meaning “gemstone” in German) is designed to celebrate color and luxury, with each ink named after a gemstone. Today’s Pelikan Tanzanite ink review features a color inspired by the rare gemstone found in Tanzania.
Get to Know the Ink Series: Pelikan Edelstein Collection
The Edelstein Ink Collection is Pelikan’s premium ink line, featuring rich colors, excellent performance, and beautifully designed bottles. Each year, Pelikan also releases a limited “Ink of the Year,” but Tanzanite is one of the permanent shades in the collection, making it a steady favorite among writers who love reliable blue-black inks.
This Week’s Featured Ink: Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite
Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite is a medium blue-black ink with a sophisticated presence. It’s versatile enough for professional settings yet dynamic enough to please fountain pen enthusiasts who love inks with depth and shading.
Pelikan Tanzanite Ink Review: Test Results
(All tests were conducted using a J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen on Rhodia lined paper.)
Ink Bottle and Packaging: Pelikan Edelstein Inks
Pelikan Edelstein inks come in a sturdy, premium package. The box is silver with a color indicator on the side, and the glass bottle itself is heavy, elegant, and sturdy. It’s designed not only to hold ink securely but also to look beautiful displayed on a desk. The wide-mouth opening makes filling pens easier, even with larger nibs — truly some of the best ink packaging you could ask for.
Other Products Used During the Pelikan Tanzanite Ink Review
- Pen: J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen (writes similar to a medium nib)
- Paper: Rhodia lined paper
1-Dip Test: Pelikan Tanzanite Ink Review
Pelikan Tanzanite performed beautifully in the 1-dip test. The dip pen was able to write all three lines on the page with plenty of ink left over, demonstrating strong ink flow and consistency.
Dry Time: How Fast Did the Ink Dry?
Dry time averaged around 10 seconds on Rhodia paper. This puts it in the medium range — not instant, but still quick enough for everyday use without excessive smudging.
Water Test: Pelikan Tanzanite Ink Review
After a 3-minute dry time, the water test showed that Tanzanite holds up very well. While the ink did spread and show some feathering at the top of the water test, the lines remained visible and showed only very slight fading. The ink did not bleed through the paper. Overall, this is a strong performer for a water-based ink that isn’t advertised as waterproof.
Does Pelikan Tanzanite Ink Have Any Special Properties?
- Shading: Medium shading, especially noticeable in swabs and cotton swab tests.
- Sheen/Shimmer: Low red sheen visible in heavy applications, but no shimmer.
- Color Traits: Writes as a very deep blue that looks almost black with a dip pen. Once dried, it settles into a dark indigo-like shade — rich, smooth, and elegant.
Was There Any Feathering or Bleeding?
- No feathering on Rhodia paper.
- No bleedthrough was observed, even during water testing.
Tanzanite Ink Review Final Thoughts:
Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite is a high-quality blue-black ink that performs consistently across the board. It dries in about 10 seconds, flows smoothly, and offers excellent shading without feathering or bleeding. The ink bottle and packaging are among the best in the industry, combining practicality with beauty.
If you’re looking for a versatile professional ink that also has a touch of character or just blue fountain pen inks you can depend on, Tanzanite is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for wetter Pelikan nibs, thanks to its slightly dry flow. Whether you’re journaling, writing letters, or signing documents, this ink delivers reliability and elegance.
Come back soon for more fountain pen ink reviews here on Pen Chalet’s Fountain Pen blog.
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FAQ: Pelikan Tanzanite Ink Review
Q: Is Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite waterproof?
A: No, it isn’t waterproof, but it does hold up surprisingly well against water with only minimal fading.
Q: What color is Pelikan Tanzanite?
A: It’s a medium blue-black with indigo undertones, leaning toward a professional dark blue.
Q: How fast does Pelikan Tanzanite dry?
A: On Rhodia paper with a glass dip pen, it dried in about 10 seconds.
Q: Does it feather or bleed through paper?
A: On quality paper like Rhodia, there was no feathering or bleedthrough.
Q: What type of pens is this ink best for?
A: Pelikan Tanzanite has a drier flow, making it an excellent match for wetter Pelikan nibs or pens that tend to write broad and wet.
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