Tanzanite is a gem form of zoisite, found only in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Mining is very deep, as gemstones easily go for $250 - $1000+ per carat. Crystals are also produced, of varying quality given largely that anything with a gemmy area within it gets cut. Also most are dinged, so getting pristine specimens is very difficult. Most pieces are heat treated, which mimics the natural geology that gives the crystals that amazing blue-purple color. The mines are incredibly deep and long term future production is in question.

It weighs 21.37 carats (4.27 grams). It is a vibrant blue-purple with remarkable gemminess through out. The termination is pristine. The side near the bottom has a slight sheered spot that under the microscope is a crystallied face, so this happened while in the pocket and still growing.(it's very hard to spot) The main front face has some raised triangles (known as screw distortions to geologists), overall a great crystal, with flashes of purple when looking at it from the side.

TANZANITE7 - Zoisite Var. Tanzanite
$ 495.00 (=~ £ 399.74)
Merelani Mine, Lelatema Mountains, Arusha Region, Tanzania
thumbnail - 2.25 x .8 x .8 cm

Tanzanite is a gem form of zoisite, found only in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Mining is very deep, as gemstones easily go for $250 - $1000+ per carat. Crystals are also produced, of varying quality given largely that anything with a gemmy area within it gets cut. Also most are dinged, so getting pristine specimens is very difficult. Most pieces are heat treated, which mimics the natural geology that gives the crystals that amazing blue-purple color. 

It weighs 14.71 carats (2.94 grams). It is really gemmy, bright and long. There is a small sidecar crystal, that accents the longer one well. The termination is pristine, with only a tiny chip on the backside smaller crystal. 

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

APOPHYLLITE5 - Apophyllite with Scolecite
$ 225.00 (=~ £ 181.70)
Jalisgoan, near Jalgoan, Maharashtra State, India
miniature - 4.95 x 3.95 x 3.3 cm

This dynamic piece has the unusual components of both green apophyllite and sprays of white Scolecite. It was found in summer of 2012 in a small pocket in a village in India, after they had dug a well. The longest Apophyllite is 2.0 cm long. The apophyllites are bright and reflective and quite green (not too light). They have flat terminations simlar to the famous "disco ball," find many years ago. No damage. THis is a well balanced piece of contrasting form and color. 

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

LINARITE1 - Linarite
$ 95.00 (=~ £ 76.72)
Sunshine #1 Mine, Bingham, NM
miniature - 4 x 3.1 x 1.4 cm

I just acquired this from John Rakovan, who for years has lead research digs to the various mines in Bingham, NM. Fluorite is the primary mineral found, and Linarite is quite rare. This one has a distinct rich blue color.It comes with his label.

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

OPAL12 - Opal (rough and cut)
$ 275.00 (=~ £ 222.08)
Shoa Province, Ethiopia
thumbnail - 2.2 x 1.3 x 1 cm

Fire opal has been found in Ethiopia for many years, however this new deposit also known as 'desert opal,' typically has a white silica base, compared to the previous finds that were brown or occasionally black. Desert opal can be brilliant and colorful. It is a relatively new deposit, and as such untested for very long time horizons (like Australian). I've sorted thorugh many high grade pieces I've held back for many years to find a match to this fully polished free form cut opal. The color play is red, green, yellow and orange. The fire is way better in person. High grade pieces such as these are hard to get now. The rough piece weighs 11.5 carats, the polished free form weighs  6.2 carats.

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

DANBURITE6 - Danburite rough and cut
$ 375.00 (=~ £ 302.83) NET
San Luis Potosi, Mexico
small cabinet - 5.5 x 2.5 x 1.9 cm

Danburite is found in a Tin Mine in Mexico. The miners that bring them out are apparently quite rough with them, as 98% of all the crystals are dinged. The crystal's termination is pristine, overall it is in good shape. It is roughly thumb size. It has a light pink cast to it.

The stone was faceted by Michael Davis, a well known american cutter. It weighs over 12.5 carats, it is a clean (flawless) stone that is extraordinarily bright due to its emerald cushion cut, and the fact that Danburite has a higher refractory index than diamond. I find good danburite rough once every few years, then I give it to Mike to cut beautiful stones. I then find a matching crystal that is in good condition. The stone would retail for between $40 and $60 per carat ($625 value).

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