Tanzanite. Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania. 12.0 x 3.8 x 1.0 cm (4.72 x 1.5... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Tanzanite
Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania
12.0 x 3.8 x 1.0 cm (4.72 x 1.50 x 0.39 in)

It's hard to be surprised by a Tanzanite specimen these days, but we would challenge any mineral collector to not be in awe of this significant example. Firstly, the size of this single crystal is very big for the species, at 12 cm tall, ending in not just one termination but two, as if it were mirrored. Secondly, the body of the crystal is wide, tabular, and extremely gemmy, so transparent that light transmits through the prism to bring out its bright blue and violet colors effortlessly. This crystal could easily be gem rough. Of course, being both transparent and well-colored, the pleochroism of this Tanzanite is extraordinarily good: you will get bright blue, violet, pink, and green all in the same specimen, depending on the angle that you view it at in front of a polarized light: the attached video will demonstrate this well. This is only possible in an unheated specimen, meaning these deep colors are completely natural. Finally, you will notice the strange line going through the center of the crystal: this is not a repair, but rather, a natural fault line in the crystal where, when it grew in the pocket, some underground movement shifted the top of the crystal, where it then re-crystallized at a slight, fascinating bend. What an incredible geological story!

More Information: This specimen is in perfect condition. There are no repairs or restorations.


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