Description: An exceptional complete Tanzanite crystal from Merelani Hills displaying a remarkably aesthetic multi crystal growth structure, where several naturally developed crystal individuals appear intergrown along the same axis. The result is a highly sculptural specimen that immediately attracts attention through its architectural silhouette, preserved terminations and strong chromatic character. The dominant crystal rises above the formation with a broad and well preserved termination, while smaller parallel crystals emerge alongside it, creating the visual impression of a natural crystalline skyline. This subtle intergrowth gives the specimen unusual complexity and depth, making it appear almost as if multiple Tanzanite crystals crystallised simultaneously and remained permanently fused during formation. Colour is one of the strongest attributes of this specimen. Across the crystal surfaces, rich violet blue tones dominate, ranging from soft lavender blue and periwinkle hues to noticeably deeper midnight blue zones concentrated along certain faces and internal areas. Depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions, the crystal alternates between cooler blue expressions and warmer violet undertones, producing a highly attractive natural bicolour appearance. The vertical prism faces preserve clear growth striations and natural crystallisation textures, reinforcing the specimen’s geological authenticity. Light reflects elegantly across these surfaces, generating a vitreous lustre that enhances the contrast between the lighter lavender blue sectors and the darker midnight blue zones. Although not transparent, the crystal possesses enough internal light interaction to reveal subtle colour depth and zoning. This characteristic allows the different shades of blue and violet to remain highly visible and gives the specimen a stronger visual presence than many opaque Tanzanite crystals. The termination area deserves particular attention. Rather than displaying a single isolated apex, the specimen presents multiple naturally preserved terminations arranged at slightly different heights. This creates a dynamic stepped structure that contributes significantly to its collector appeal and distinguishes it from simpler single crystal examples. Originating from the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, the world’s only known source of Tanzanite, this specimen represents the mineral in its natural crystallised form rather than as faceting rough. The preservation of crystal habit, colour zoning and natural terminations provides a direct expression of the geological processes responsible for one of the most famous gemstone minerals ever discovered. This is a specimen that derives its appeal not from transparency, but from crystal architecture, colour variation, preserved terminations and the uncommon visual effect created by its naturally intergrown crystal structure. Specifications: • Weight: 1.15 g • Weight in carats: 5.75 ct • Dimensions: 14 × 7 × 3 mm • Origin: Merelani Hills, Tanzania • Mineral species: Zoisite (Tanzanite variety) • Crystal system: Orthorhombic • Form: Complete natural crystal • Crystal habit: Prismatic crystal with parallel intergrown individuals • Structure: Multi crystal growth formation • Colour: Violet blue to midnight blue • Colour zoning: Natural bicolour blue and violet distribution • Transparency: Opaque to slightly translucent in limited zones • Lustre: Vitreous • Surface features: Natural growth striations and crystallisation textures • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural crystal with preserved terminations Notable Points: • Complete Tanzanite crystal with preserved natural crystal habit • Attractive multi crystal growth structure creating a naturally architectural appearance • Dominant central crystal accompanied by smaller parallel intergrown crystals • Strong violet blue body colour with distinct midnight blue sectors • Natural bicolour appearance visible from different viewing angles • Multiple preserved terminations arranged at varying heights • Excellent crystal definition despite compact dimensions • Well preserved prism faces displaying natural growth striations • Strong vitreous lustre across exposed crystal surfaces • Distinct geological character with visible crystallisation textures • Highly aesthetic vertical growth pattern • Attractive contrast between lighter lavender blue and darker midnight blue zones • Merelani Hills provenance from the world’s only Tanzanite locality • Natural untreated collector specimen • Excellent display presence due to crystal architecture and colour Collector’s Interest: Complete Tanzanite crystals remain considerably less common than faceting rough and fragmented material. Collectors generally place particular value on specimens that preserve both their natural crystal habit and their original terminations, as these features provide direct evidence of the crystal’s growth history. What distinguishes this example is the combination of colour and structure. The intergrown arrangement of multiple crystal individuals creates a far more complex visual composition than a simple isolated crystal, while the coexistence of violet blue and midnight blue tones enhances the specimen’s aesthetic appeal. The preserved terminations, architectural growth pattern and attractive colour zoning give the crystal a strong display quality despite its modest dimensions. Such pieces are especially appreciated by collectors who focus on crystal morphology rather than faceting potential alone. Lapidary Potential: While small portions of the material could theoretically be used for lapidary purposes, any cutting would immediately destroy the preserved crystal habit, the natural terminations and the distinctive intergrown growth structure that define the specimen. Its greatest value lies in preservation as a natural crystal, where its morphology, colour variation and geological character can be appreciated exactly as they formed in the Merelani Hills millions of years ago. —————— 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