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
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. 

(click on the pictures to enlarge)

APOPHYLLITE5 - Apophyllite with Scolecite
$ 225.00
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. 

(click on the pictures to enlarge)

QUARTZ57 - Quartz Var. Rose
$ 95.00
Galiléia, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil
thumbnail - 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.5 cm

I spent several hours pouring through a recently found pocket of over 10,000 rose quartz specimens fresh from the mine in Brazil. This was in the top 2 pieces.  It has a distinct pink color, with bright, long crystal length up to 1.0 cm. It has no damage at all not even on the back or base. I can mount this on an acrylic base for anyone who buys it (just ask). It weighs 6 grams.

(click on the pictures to enlarge)

LINARITE1 - Linarite
$ 95.00
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.

(click on the pictures to enlarge)

AZURITE7 - Azurite w/ Malachite
$ 275.00 NET
Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico
miniature - 3 x 2.7 x 2.6 cm

Millpillas has produced some amazing crystals over the last 4 or 5 years. Word is that they are finished with the oxidation zone, and are not finding Azurites anymore. I got this piece through a trade. The crystals are sharp, the color is rich and the luster is bright. Also the crystals are pristine without damage, which is so difficult to find from this location. The Malachite jumps in contrast to the blue Azurite. 

 

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