Zoisite var: Tanzanite (UN-heated crystal)

Item Description

Tanzanite is one of the more popular gem minerals on the market, beloved for its beautiful color and well-formed crystals. Technically Tanzanite is not a species, but rather the blue/purple variety of the mineral Zoisite, and the only place in the world where it has been found is in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania. Tanzanite gets is color from the presence of vanadium, some people are not aware that most of the Tanzanite crystals you see on the market have been heated in order to enhance their color (typically producing a strong blue color). Here we have a fantastic UN-heated crystal showing a gorgeous combination of colors with a wonderful blue color on the "a" axis, and when you turn the crystal 90 degree and look through the "b" axis, you'll see a rich purple color. Additionally, if you use a strong halogen light when viewing the "b" axis, you'll see there are some tiny red flashes (see photo), another good sign that the crystal is unheated. There are few minerals that display multi-color pleochroism like Tanzanite, and this piece is a great example of said material. This crystal is sharp, and very lustrous, with a wonderful termination. There is a tiny white spot near the tip of the termination, but it's NOT DAMAGE, it's a small fleck of Calcite or Prehnite as far as I can tell. The piece is in superb condition, the only damage is on the base where, but 99% of all Tanzanite crystals are contacted on the bottom, it's just the nature of the material. If you've always wanted a good quality unheated Tanzanite for your collection, then don't pass this one up for a great price. The piece weighs 14.9 grams. Valued $1,500.