Tanzanite
Real mineral · very rare · Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
A blue-violet variety of zoisite found only in a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro. Its colour results from vanadium impurities. Displays strong trichroism, appearing blue, violet, or burgundy depending on viewing angle.
Identity
- Formula
- Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
- Chemical class
- silicate
- Also known as
- Blue zoisite
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Habits
- prismatic, tabular
- Fracture
- conchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.35 g/cm³
- Luster
- vitreous
- Colors
- blue, violet, purple
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- metamorphic
- Host rocks
- gneiss, schist
- Associated minerals
- Corundum, tsavorite garnet, Graphite
- Geography
- Tanzania (Merelani Hills only)
Classification
- Rarity
- very rare
- Gem quality
- Yes
Arcane properties
- Affinity
- arcane, void
- Effects
- scrying, planar travel
- Planar origin
- Material Plane
Browse the Crystal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox