Tanzanite Crystal (Tanzania)

Tanzanite Crystal (Tanzania)

Mineral: Zoisite var. Tanzanite

Origin: Merelani Hills (Mererani), Lelatema Mountains, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, Tanzania

Color: Violetish Blue

Treatment: None Known

Pleochrism: Strong (Blue, Purple and Yellow)

Approximate Dimensions: 2.3cm x 0.8cm x 0.8cm

Weight: 2.3g

10% of this purchase will be donated to The International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF)

Tanzanite is the blue and violet variety of the mineral zoisite (a calcium aluminium hydroxyl sorosilicate), caused by small amounts of vanadium. Tanzanite belongs to the epidote mineral group. Tanzanite is only found in Tanzania, in a very small mining area (approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) long and 2 km (1.2 mi) wide) near the Mererani Hills.

The gemstone was given the name 'tanzanite' by Tiffany & Co. after Tanzania, the country in which it was discovered. The scientific name of "blue-violet zoisite" was not thought to be sufficiently consumer friendly by Tiffany's marketing department, who introduced it to the market in 1968.

Color may vary in images and videos due to different lightings and angles.