Very Fine Gemstone: Tanzanite - 35.66 Ct.. Block C, Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanz...

Description

TANZANITE

Very Fine Gemstone: Tanzanite - 35.66 Ct.
Block C, Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania

By now the story of Tanzanite has trickled down to street level courtesy of umpteen "infomercials" and lots of cruise ship hucksterism. Which isn't to say that Tanzanite isn't a worthy gem material; it's a great gem material. Nothing on Earth combines the blue of Sapphire with flashes of Amethystine purple - Nothing. To get the full effect of this unique color combo you need to "super-size" it. Fact: Larger Tanzanites show these color effects to a greater degree than small ones. The proof of that assertion can be seen in this rather sizable mixed-cut cushion that very clearly displays a purple/violet inflected Sapphire blue color, particularly noticeable when moving the stone back and forth. This coolly colorful gem was cut in Arusha, Tanzania, from rough found in 1965: that is fairly early in Tanzanite's trajectory as a gemstone. As noted in the AGL Cert that accompanies the stone (# CS 65962), it is commonly understood that Tanzanite is heat-treated to improve color. It is not stated whether this particular stone has had such treatment, but if one looks at this gem it definitely has flashes of red. Red flashes are used as an indicator that the stone has not been heat-treated. The GIA states that in "some exceptional Tanzanites, the color is predominately an intense violetish blue with red flashes of pleochroic color coming from within the stone." That certainly is the definition of this stone: it is exceptional.
Measurements: 18.91 x 18.28 x 13.42 mm, 35.66 cts.
Offered at no reserve.

Provenance: Rainbow of Africa Collection
Accompanied by AGL Certificate # CS 65962



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