DESCRIPTION: Two converging edges draw the eye towards a slender violet summit. Beneath it, transparent planes reveal flashes of blue and a succession of bright reflections. This tanzanite from Merelani Hills, Block D, Tanzania possesses a striking architectural identity, with a pointed termination and a distinctive triangular profile that place its natural crystal form at the centre of its appeal. The termination is the specimen’s defining feature. Viewed from its narrower side, the converging outlines create an elongated wedge rising to a sharp apex. Rotation reveals a broader prismatic face, showing that this apparently delicate silhouette belongs to a more substantial, flattened crystal body. This relationship between the pointed profile and the wider lateral surfaces gives the piece a particularly engaging three dimensional form. Its colour brings another dimension to the presentation. Rich violet and lavender give way to deeper blue expressions as the crystal is rotated under a fixed light. This pleochroic behaviour makes orientation an essential part of observing the specimen: one view emphasises its violet character, while another reveals cooler, sapphire blue passages through the prism. Differences in thickness and surface reflection further influence the intensity seen from each direction. Transparency is especially attractive through the upper and central portions. Light penetrates these areas, revealing crisp internal reflections and allowing the geometry of opposing surfaces to remain visible through the body. The result is a luminous, glassy appearance in which colour and crystal architecture can be appreciated together. The lateral surfaces provide abundant detail. Closely spaced striations and stepped textures catch the light in bright parallel bands, contrasting with smoother planes that produce broader reflections. Near the base, a paler textured area and a dark inclusion or attached grain introduce a distinct visual detail beneath the transparent upper prism. These features give the specimen an individual identity without distracting from its pointed outline. For a collector, the strongest impression is the coherence of the piece: a recognisable terminated crystal, expressive blue and violet pleochroism, transparent windows and brilliant vitreous lustre. Its natural geometry invites observation from several directions, with each view revealing a different relationship between form, colour and light. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 0.06 g • Weight in carats: 0.30 ct • Dimensions: 12 × 4 × 3.5 mm • Origin: Merelani Hills, Block D, Tanzania • Mineral species: Zoisite • Variety: Tanzanite • Crystal system: Orthorhombic • Crystal habit: Elongated, flattened prismatic crystal • Termination: Pointed wedge termination with a pronounced triangular profile • Colour: Violet, lavender and sapphire blue, varying with viewing direction • Optical property: Pleochroism • Transparency: Highly transparent areas through the upper and central body, with a more translucent basal portion • Lustre: Bright vitreous lustre • Surface features: Defined crystal faces, parallel striations and stepped surface textures • Basal features: Pale textured area with a visible dark inclusion or attached grain • Presentation: Natural, unpolished terminated crystal NOTABLE POINTS: • Distinctive Pointed Termination Converging terminal outlines form the apex that defines the specimen’s principal display profile. • Elegant Triangular Silhouette The narrow view presents a pronounced wedge shape with strong visual direction towards the summit. • Defined Prismatic Architecture Broader lateral faces reveal the crystal body behind its slender pointed appearance. • Visible Pleochroism Rotation under a fixed light reveals different blue and violet expressions within the crystal. • Rich Violet Character Selected orientations display concentrated violet through the transparent upper prism. • Sapphire Blue Accents Other viewing directions bring cooler blue passages into prominence. • Luminous Lavender Nuances Lighter areas introduce delicate lavender transitions between deeper concentrations of colour. • Highly Transparent Windows Clear upper and central sections allow the eye to explore the crystal’s internal depth. • Brilliant Vitreous Lustre Bright reflections emphasise the defined faces and the geometry of the termination. • Expressive Surface Striations Closely spaced parallel textures create bands of reflected light across the lateral surfaces. • Individual Basal Detail A paler textured base and dark inclusion or attached grain provide a recognisable identifying feature. • Specific Merelani Provenance The supplied origin of Merelani Hills, Block D, Tanzania adds geographical interest to its collector character. COLLECTOR’S INTEREST: This tanzanite is particularly appealing as a study of crystal form and optical behaviour. Its pointed termination provides a clear focal point, while the contrast between its triangular profile and broader striated faces makes it rewarding to examine from multiple directions. The natural surfaces remain central to the presentation, allowing the collector to appreciate the relationship between external geometry and the transparent interior. Its pleochroism adds a further reason to observe the specimen in motion. Slowly rotating it beneath a fixed white light allows the violet and blue expressions to be compared while preserving a clear view of the termination and surface detail. Together with its specific Merelani provenance, these qualities give the piece a distinctive place in a collection focused on tanzanite, zoisite or aesthetic terminated crystals. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: The transparent areas and attractive blue and violet colour offer material for lapidary assessment, with orientation particularly important to the colour a finished gem would display. However, the pointed termination, triangular profile and striated natural faces are central to this specimen’s individuality. Preserving the crystal in its present form retains these features together with its pleochroic display, making intact presentation a compelling choice for a collector. —————— Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 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