Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Zoisite (var. tanzanite) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Ca2Al3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH) |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
Tanzanite micro-mount specimen. Lot #71. A compact specimen well suited for a micro-mineral collection.
Tanzanite: the science
- Tanzanite is strongly pleochroic: turn a crystal and it shifts between blue, violet, and a brownish or burgundy tone.
- Most tanzanite rough is brownish before heat treatment. Heating removes the brown and leaves the blue-violet color.
- “Tanzanite” is a trade name introduced by Tiffany & Co. in 1968. Mineralogically it is zoisite.
Go deeper
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Questions about this piece
What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is the blue to violet variety of the mineral zoisite. Gem-quality material comes from a single small area in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 6–7 on the Mohs scale. Mohs 6–7 with one direction of perfect cleavage. Avoid knocks, ultrasonic cleaners, and sudden temperature changes. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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