Tanzanite // 53.32 Grams

Discovered in 1967 and sourced in only one location on earth – Merelani Hills, Tanzania, near Mt. Kilimanjaro – enigmatic blue-violet or violet-blue tanzanite is one of the rarest and most prized gemstones on earth. A translucent variety of zoisite, this pleochroic gem can show red-violet, yellow-green, and blue. Most tanzanite on the market has been heat treated to enhance the blue and violet tones and reduce the yellow-green, but this spectacular specimen is completely natural, which means that its pleochroism remains fully intact. Tanzanite – initially named tanjeloffite after Astro West President Marc Tanjeloff’s grandfather Julio Tanjeloff – was first brought to the United States from Tanzania by Julio himself. It was later renamed by Tiffany & Co. This indigo gem crystal features a large, natural perfect termination and beautiful luster and a moderately sized secondary crystal growing on the back. When this specimen is lit (as in the final two photos), you can see the red and yellow-green tones quite spectacularly.

Dimensions: 7/8"L x 7/8"W x 2"H, Weight: 53.32 g