TANZ06
Tanzanite
Merelani Mines, Arusha, Tanzania
Small Cabinet, 6.7 x 3.6 x 3.5 cm
SOLD

Currently on exhibition in the birthstones exhibit at Perot Museum. 

A dramatic blue and purple tanzanite crystal with strong magenta color up the C-axis, this makes for a formidable display specimen in a showcase because of its gemminess and intense color saturation. This robust crystal masses 140 grams, and is complete all around except for a very minor bit of rubbing that is only seen on close inspection in any case (though it reduces it from a very high price, to a very affordable price in context). The internal brilliance and the surface luster are both very high, and the saturated blue color is at the top of the spectrum for what you could ask for in a tanzanite. When it is lit from behind, it glows from across a room. These photos show only moderate, not very strong, backlighting. As a side note, minor white calcite druse helps provide a welcome contrast, on some angles, that is rare in tanzanite singles; and the piece displays well from all 4 sides. Comes with a custom lucite base. The purple is particularly strong in this piece, by the way.