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. 

This crystal is an amazing contrast of black graphite and yellow Tanzanite. It is a natural color of Tanzanite (if heated it would turn pale blue). It is large at nearly an inch tall, it weighs 20.50 carats.

Overall in great condition, there is some very minor scuffing along a back edge (visible under microspope), not eye-catching.

QUARTZ46 - Quartz Var. Amethyst Scepter w/ Anatase
$ 65.00 SOLD
Betafo, Madagascar
miniature - 4.2 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm

This was a better piece from a small pocket of Quartz found 5 years ago in Madagascar. It is a Scepter with a purple hue to it, but what makes it unusual are several small octohedral Anatase crystals attached to it's shaft. It's the only occurence of Anatase on Quartz I've encountered from Madagascar.

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

QUARTZ43 - Quartz w/ phantom
$ 75.00 SOLD
Betafo, Madagascar
miniature - 4.2 x 1.2 x .8 cm

Here's a great example of a small pocket of weird phantom quartz we got 6 years ago. The quartz is clear and bright and really sets off the internal prismatic phantom. It has crystallization on its other termination, and no damage. 

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

QUARTZ44 - Quartz w/ phantom
$ 55.00 SOLD
Betafo, Madagascar
miniature - 4.0 x 1.2 x 1.2 cm

Here's a great example of a small pocket of weird phantom quartz we got 6 years ago. It is double terminated with a bright phantom inside it. There is yellow, white and green colorations to the phantom. Bright quartz, and no damage.

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

EFFENBERGERITE1 - Effenbergerite in Sugilite
$ 495.00 SOLD
Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa
small cabinet - 5.7 x 4.2 x 3.8 cm

A dozen or more Effenbergerites were a new find at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in 2012. Prior to this find, large examples were micromounts. This piece is a huge example of this rare Barium copper Silicate, occuring in Sugilite. It's unusual to have such a rare mineral also have such a striking, attractive color.  It weighs 66 grams (about 2 ozs).

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