Zoisite (Tanzanite)

This is a beautiful thumbnail-sized tanzanite crystal, a purple-blue variety of zoisite, with excellent luster and vibrant colour. The crystal's colour appears more purple when viewed from the side, while the straight-on view emphasizes its striking blue hue. These crystals owe their  coloration to vanadium cations. Remarkably, it is found only in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, making it a highly sought-after mineral.

This specimen features sharp, well-formed, and lustrous faces. When viewed along the "a" axis, it displays a stunning blue colour, while a 90-degree rotation to the "b" axis reveals a gorgeous purple tone. The crystal also retains golden hues, suggesting it is unheated. Unlike heated tanzanite, which loses its yellow and pink hues during the process, this natural example showcases the original, untouched beauty of the mineral. A refreshing and classic addition to any collection!