ZOISITE, variety Tanzanite
Ca₂Al₃(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)(O,OH)₂
Samax mine, Merelani Hills, Arusha, Tanzania

Tanzanite, the purple to blue gem varirty of zoisite, was only first discovered in 1967. It is growing in popularity with continuing production from this the only world source. Occasionally, fine crystals such as this one are recovered.

Size: 9.5 cm tall

Acquired: 1996 Gem & Mineral Council purchase; 1997 adoption in memory of Wilton B. Cohen through the Adopt-a-Mineral program.

Disposition: Planned for future display.

Catalog Number: 41249