Zoisite (Var: Tanzanite)

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This superbly gemmy tanzanite crystal is strongly trichroic: it is blue seen from one side, purple from the other, and reddish purple from the two ends (though less extreme in this direction). The shift from purple to blue is extreme and very striking. Not all tanzanite gem crystals have this strong color shift, and the ones that do are valued more highly. Even without that, this is a very clean and gemmy crystal, terminated and complete all around. With the turmoil in Tanzania, tanzanites have become very hard to get. Weighs 7 grams. Ex. Jaime Bird Collection.