**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: This tanzanite crystal from Merelani Hills, Block D, Tanzania, expresses the refined balance between colour, structure and geological intention that defines fine quality material from this legendary locality. Its form is compact yet assertive, presenting a well defined lateral termination that gives the crystal a clear sense of direction and natural completeness. The colour is a sophisticated interplay of cool violet and luminous blue, shifting subtly between lilac toned highlights and deeper indigo notes depending on the angle of light. This chromatic behaviour is a direct result of tanzanite’s natural pleochroism, allowing the crystal to reveal different personalities as it moves, never static and never flat. The saturation remains elegant rather than excessive, favouring depth and clarity over intensity alone. Structurally, the crystal displays strong natural faces with coherent geometry and visible growth striations that trace its vertical development. The lateral termination is clean and legible, contributing to a sculptural profile that feels intentional and architecturally balanced. Light enters the crystal with ease, travelling through translucent to locally transparent zones and activating internal reflections that enhance its visual depth without disturbing its overall harmony. Despite its modest size, this specimen carries a distinct presence. The precision of its formation, combined with its refined colour palette and intact crystallography, elevates it beyond scale. It is a piece that invites close observation, rewarding the viewer with layers of detail, subtle optical shifts and a quiet sense of geological maturity. Remaining completely natural, unpolished and untreated, this tanzanite preserves its original mineral identity. It stands as a genuine expression of Merelani material, valued for authenticity, balance and clarity rather than exaggeration. Specifications: • Weight: 0.38 g • Weight in carats: 1.90 ct • Dimensions: 10 × 7 × 3 mm • Origin: Merelani Hills, Block D, Tanzania • Mineral: Tanzanite • Crystal habit: Naturally formed crystal with well defined lateral termination • Colour: Violet blue with lilac undertones • Colour behaviour: Natural pleochroism with shifting blue and violet tones • Transparency: Translucent to locally transparent • Lustre: Vitreous • Condition: Natural, unpolished, untreated Notable Points: • Authentic tanzanite from the classic Merelani Hills, Block D locality • Well defined lateral termination giving the crystal a complete and legible structure • Elegant violet blue colour with subtle lilac nuances • Visible pleochroism enhancing depth and optical interest • Natural colour distribution without artificial enhancement • Strong crystallographic faces with preserved growth features • Translucent to transparent areas allowing light penetration • Compact crystal with high visual impact relative to size • Vitreous lustre contributing to a refined surface appearance • Completely natural specimen with no treatment or polishing • Clear mineral identity and strong geological coherence Collector’s Interest: For collectors, this specimen represents a refined example of Merelani tanzanite where quality is expressed through balance rather than scale. The combination of a well defined lateral termination, elegant pleochroic colour and intact natural surfaces makes it particularly appealing to those who value structural clarity, authenticity and mineral integrity. Pieces of this calibre from Block D are increasingly sought after, especially when they retain such a clear and honest expression of their geological origin. Lapidary Potential: The crystal also presents selective lapidary potential. Its pleochroic colour behaviour and areas of transparency suggest that, with careful orientation, it could yield a small but character rich gemstone. However, the presence of a clear termination and coherent natural form gives this piece strong value as a natural specimen, where its structure, colour play and geological narrative remain fully preserved. —————— 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