2.34 Ct. Violetish Blue Tanzanite from Tanzania

This specimen is a transparent 2.34 carat cushion shape tanzanite from Tanzania, presented by The Natural Gemstone Company, with dimensions 10.04 by 6.02 by 4.73 mm. The piece is fashioned with a mixed brilliant cut, combining a faceting scheme that optimizes both scintillation and color saturation. Clarity is graded as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minimal and do not materially affect the stone face up. Color intensity is classified as intense, yielding a dominant violetish blue that reads strongly in both daylight and typical indoor illumination. The gem has undergone standard heat treatment to remove brownish overtones and to develop the characteristic blue violet hue. Polish is excellent, with facet junctions executed to fine tolerance, delivering clean window free faces and lively facet reflections.

From a cutting and faceting perspective this tanzanite demonstrates deliberate technical choices. The mixed brilliant cut uses a brilliant style on the crown to generate high dispersion and lively white light return, paired with a modified step or controlled brilliant schematic on the pavilion to preserve color saturation while maintaining optimal weight retention. The proportions yield a depth of approximately 59 percent when calculated against the average of length and width, a proportion range that balances face up spread with internal light return. The elongated cushion outline and slightly softened corners were selected to accentuate the violet component of the trichroic color distribution, while the pavilion faceting angles were optimized to avoid light leakage and to promote an even color field across the table. Facet symmetry and junction integrity are consistent with advanced lapidary practice, and the excellent polish enhances both clarity transparency and the perceived intensity of the blue violet tone.

Color behavior in tanzanite is a key technical attribute, and this example is notable for its rare combination of hue, saturation, and size. Tanzanite is inherently trichroic, displaying different colors along three crystallographic axes, and the best material is cut to show the blue and violet axes to the viewer. This 2.34 carat stone exhibits a dominant violetish blue when viewed table up, with minimal brown secondary tones, a condition largely achieved through heat enhancement calibrated to stabilize the blue violet chromophores without overburnishing the stone. In the current market, tanzanites of significant size that also maintain intense saturation toward the violet spectrum are scarce, because larger rough typically displays zoned or muted color that requires substantial trimming to achieve even saturation. Compared to commonly available stones in the 1 carat to 2 carat range, or to larger stones with weaker color, this specimen stands out for retaining strong face up color intensity in a size category that is collectible and suitable for center stone applications.

Durability, optical parameters, and practical recommendations complete the technical profile. Tanzanite is a zoisite species with refractive indices approximately 1.691 1.698 and 1.706 across the three principal axes, and birefringence on the order of 0.008, producing characteristic doubling phenomena on facet edges in certain orientations. Specific gravity is near 3.35 and Mohs hardness is in the range 6 to 7. The material exhibits a distinct cleavage plane, and therefore care in setting and handling is advised, especially when mounting in open prong styles. For daily wear, enclosed settings that protect the girdle and corners are recommended, and treatment stability after heat is durable under normal conditions. Cleaning by warm soapy water and gentle brushing is preferred, avoiding steam and ultrasonic cleaners due to potential pre existing internal features and cleavage sensitivity. The very slightly included clarity grade means the stone will present as eye clean to most observers, while small internal needles or pinpoint features are typical and do not compromise optical performance.

In summary, The Natural Gemstone Company offers this 2.34 carat cushion shape violetish blue tanzanite as a technically refined and visually rare example. The mixed brilliant cut and proportion set produce strong light return and even face up color, the heat treatment is professionally executed to reveal intense blue violet saturation, and the clarity and polish meet expectations for high quality gem material. For clients who require a combination of technical excellence and rarity in both size and color when compared to the more common smaller or less saturated tanzanites, this piece represents an exceptional candidate for a high impact center stone, especially in designs that emphasize color depth and refined faceting.