Scientific name: Tanzanite

Location: Merelani Hills in the Manyara Region of Tanzania

Size/Weight: 40 x 33 x 18mm - 35.8g

REF.: SWJ0058

DESCRIPTION:
This is a gorgeous, 35,8g tanzanite crystal that was collected from the Merelani Hills in the Manyara Region of Tanzania. It exhibits a brilliant pink-purple color and a violet-blue color. This pleochroic effect is evident when backlighting the crystal.

Tanzanite is a blue-violet variety of zoisite that gains its color from the substitution of vanadium within the zoisite mineral structure. It is found only in the Arusha and Manyara regions of Tanzania, Africa, which it is named after. It is well known and relatively popular in the gemstone community for its lovely color and pleochroic effect when viewing from different angles. Tanzanite is relatively soft for a gemstone, so its uses in jewelry are somewhat limited.