**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation only, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. —————— Description: Like a fragment of deep twilight captured mid transformation, this tanzanite crystal presents a compact and irregular prismatic form, where natural growth and partial interruption coexist in a structure rich in texture and visual complexity. Rather than a clean, elongated blade, the crystal reveals a more condensed morphology, with multiple faces intersecting at varying angles and a termination that remains partially preserved yet subtly disrupted. The geometry is expressive in a different way. Broad vertical faces alternate with fractured and stepped surfaces, creating a dynamic interplay between clarity and internal disruption. Fine longitudinal striations are visible across several faces, confirming its prismatic origin, while areas of natural breakage introduce contrast and depth, enhancing the overall mineralogical character. Colour is immediately striking and highly responsive to orientation. From the dominant viewing angles, the crystal displays saturated violet blue tones, vivid and luminous, with flashes of electric violet emerging under direct light. These hues are not flat. They shift continuously, revealing cooler blue undertones and occasional deeper indigo zones as the crystal is rotated. This behaviour is driven by strong pleochroism, clearly visible across different faces. Certain angles emphasise a more violet dominant identity, while others reveal a cooler, more distinctly blue expression. The transition is fluid but unmistakable, giving the crystal a layered chromatic personality that evolves with movement. Transparency varies across the structure. Thinner edges and clearer zones allow light to penetrate more freely, revealing internal textures, micro fractures, and natural inclusions. In contrast, denser areas appear more saturated and slightly opaque, reinforcing the sense of depth and internal complexity. The lustre is distinctly vitreous, particularly on the better preserved crystal faces where reflections are sharp and bright. In areas affected by natural breakage, the surface becomes more diffused, adding contrast between polished like planes and raw crystalline textures. Dark mineral inclusions are present and clearly visible, embedded within the structure and concentrated in specific zones. These inclusions enhance the authenticity of the specimen and contribute to its geological narrative, without overwhelming the visual balance of the crystal. Originating from the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, the only known source of tanzanite, this specimen reflects the unique geological conditions required for its formation. Its structure records both growth and natural interruption, preserving a moment of crystallisation that is as expressive as it is genuine. This is not a crystal defined by symmetry or perfection. It is defined by contrast, by internal movement, and by the interplay between colour, structure, and natural formation. Specifications: • Weight: 0.17 g • Weight in carats: 0.85 ct • Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 mm • Origin: Merelani Hills, Tanzania • Mineral: Tanzanite • Crystal system: Orthorhombic • Crystal habit: Compact prismatic crystal with irregular development • Termination: Partially preserved with natural interruption • Colour: Violet blue with electric violet flashes • Colour zoning: Pleochroic variation between violet and blue • Transparency: Transparent to translucent • Lustre: Vitreous • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural crystal with minor breakage Notable Points: • Compact and expressive prismatic form • Partial natural termination with irregular structure • Strong violet blue colour with vivid saturation • Electric violet flashes under direct lighting • Clear pleochroic behaviour between violet and blue tones • Visible longitudinal growth striations • Contrast between smooth crystal faces and fractured zones • Internal inclusions enhancing authenticity • Variable transparency creating depth • Distinct vitreous lustre on preserved faces • Natural mineral inclusions with geological interest • Merelani Hills origin, exclusive worldwide locality • Untreated and in natural state • Highly dynamic visual response to light • Strong mineralogical character and presence Collector’s Interest: Crystals of this nature, where structure, inclusions and pleochroism interact so visibly, offer a different type of appeal compared to clean or elongated specimens. Rather than relying on symmetry, this piece stands out through its complexity and expressive internal character. The combination of saturated colour, visible inclusions and partially preserved morphology makes it particularly interesting for collectors who value authenticity and natural formation over idealised perfection. Lapidary Potential: While small sections could potentially be used for faceting, doing so would remove the defining structural and visual characteristics of the specimen, including its natural surfaces and internal features. Its true value lies in remaining intact as a natural crystal, where its full geological and optical identity can be appreciated. This is a crystal meant to be admired, not reduced. —————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post and UPS • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time service: between 2 to 5 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals