Tremolite from Merelani Hills, Manyara Region, Tanzania - image 1
Tremolite from Merelani Hills, Manyara Region, Tanzania - image 2

Tremolite from Merelani Hills, Manyara Region, Tanzania

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An attractive cluster of lustrous highly translucent green tremolite crystals without matrix. In excellent condition. A beautiful example for the species. The Merelani Hills, located in the Manyara Region of northern Tanzania, are situated within the Lelatema Mountains in a complex geological environment of the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Belt. Geologically, the deposit consists of high-grade metamorphic rocks, specifically graphite-bearing sillimanite-kyanite-quartz-feldspar gneisses and marbles that have undergone intense hydrothermal alteration. The locality is famously known for chrome-rich tremolite, which occurs as vibrant, transparent to translucent, emerald-green crystals that owe their distinct coloration to the presence of chromium. Historically, mining and quarrying in the area gained international fame following the 1967 discovery of tanzanite, with the hills being divided into various blocks (A, B, C, and D) for organized extraction. Modern operations have evolved from artisanal pits to sophisticated underground tunnels, and as of 2026, Merelani remains an active and vital source for both gemstones and rare mineral specimens. The region continues to be a primary global locality for studying the unique mineralization of vanadium and chromium within metamorphosed black shales.

Product details

SpeciesTremolite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions5.0 x 3.0 x 0.5 cm
Added on07/16/2026

Current owner

Unknown Owner
Acquired
Oct 2026

Previous owners

DateCollectorAcquisition price
—Weinrich MineralsNot disclosed

Learn more

Tremolite
Mineral guide
Learn about Tremolite
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Tremolite
Regional guide
Tremolite from Merelani Hills
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Locality guide
Merelani Hills
A collector's guide to Merelani Hills, Tanzania: its geology, mining history and notable minerals, illustrated with the 806 specimens documented from this locality on EarthWonders.