0.46 Carat Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a variety of the Mineral Zoisite. Beautiful blue, violet, and purple hues are the closest associated with this Gemstone. These colors are usually from heat treatment of Brownish Green Zoisite, although a small minority of the stones get thier color from natural geothermal heat. Tanzanite is also a Trichroic gemstone, meaning that it can show 3 seperate colors depending on the angle it is viewed. Stones are carefully oriented while faceting to show the sought after Blue and Violet hues. Tanzanite has a refractive index of between 1.69-1.7, perfect cleavage in one direction, and a Mohs hardness between 6-7. While its beauty is suited for jewelry, care must be taken not to strike Tanzanite on hard surfaces, and to keep it seperate from abrasive substances. Tanzanite cannot be grown in a lab, but is often heat treated to reach marketable colors. Although Tanzanite is often simulated, simulants can be distinguished readily with the correct knowledge, experience, and equipment.