TANZANITE. ...

Description

TANZANITE
Merelani Hills, Lelatema Mts, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Most owners of gem Tanzanite have never seen untreated material; the miners and cutters of Tanzanite routinely heat the rough material to suppress one of the three colors that this gemstone naturally displays. Even uncut gem crystals are heated to "improve" them. As a result, very few gem crystals show their natural coloration. This gem double crystal is the exception. Viewing from any one of the three possible directions produces startlingly different results: under incandescent light, one axis shows deep purple with reddish highlights, the second axis shows a sapphire blue and the third axis displays a deep pinkish-orange-red hue that is quite unexpected. Besides the wonderful palette of colors in transmitted light, there are further interactions between: the inclusions, the glassy surface luster and the numerous planar crystal faces - all of which combine to keep the eye captivated for hours. The crystal is quite gemmy and several stones could be cut from it, but that would be like melting down a 1933 Gold Double Eagle for bullion value. This rare and exotic gem treasure measures a very respectable 2½ x 1¾ x 7/8 inches and it proudly stands on a custom labeled base.

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