3.35 Ct. Tanzanite from Tanzania

From the dark, mineral rich foothills of northern Tanzania a single crystal first saw the faint light of day, formed over millions of years in the slow convulsions of the earth. The story of this tanzanite begins in that ancient geology, in a narrow belt that yields only a handful of gems of equivalent depth and clarity. When the rough stone was unearthed it already hinted at the intense violet blue that makes tanzanite so coveted, but it was in the hands of experienced cutters and polisher that its true character was coaxed into being. At The Natural Gemstone Company we trace each step of that journey, from the careful extraction at the mine, through the decision to employ a gentle heat treatment to stabilize and intensify the color, to the final stages of shaping and polishing, so that the finished gem reflects both the wild origin of its material and the precise skill of human craftsmanship.

The finished gem is a transparent cushion shape tanzanite weighing 3.35 carats, with dimensions approximately 8.11 by 7.31 by 6.54 millimeters, presented in a mixed brilliant cut that blends the geometric fire of step facets with the scintillating life of brilliant facets. Its clarity is very very slightly included when examined at eye level, a degree of internal character that remains practically invisible in set jewelry while adding internal depth to the way light travels through the stone. The color intensity reads as intense violet, a tone achieved and permanently deepened by careful heat treatment, and the polish is excellent, delivering glassy, mirror like facet surfaces. The mixed brilliant cut was chosen with intent, to balance broad color windows with lively scintillation so that each turn of the hand reveals a complex interplay of faceted light and saturated hue. Viewed face up the gem offers a deep, plush violet that shifts subtly toward electric blue when the angle changes, a hallmark of the strong trichroic nature of high quality tanzanite, and when held to the light the interior reflections resolve into a velvety glow rather than a sharp blaze, inviting a closer look.

When considering reflective qualities, tanzanite occupies a distinctive place among violet and blue gemstones, and this specimen demonstrates those qualities in abundance. Compared to blue sapphire, which tends to show a crystalline, high contrast brilliance with steely flashes due to its higher refractive index and denser light return, this tanzanite favors a more fluid, theatrical display of color and light. Sapphires will often present very crisp, bright facet reflections that read as fiery and metallic, whereas this tanzanite’s mixed brilliant cut creates a softer, more satiny radiance that emphasizes color intensity over hard fire. Compared to spinel of similar hue, which can deliver lively, crisp brilliance and an almost mirror like facet response, tanzanite’s pleochroic personality means that it changes its expressive demeanor with movement, trading some of that immediate mirror brightness for a living color story that evolves as you tilt the gem. Against amethyst and other quartz family purples, which show a glassy luster and a generally flatter play of light due to lower refractive properties, this tanzanite offers deeper saturation and a more complex internal life, with facets that return color rather than simply bright white flashes. In practical terms the result is a gem that feels luxurious, a stone whose reflective qualities reward both the casual glance and the focused inspection, revealing pockets of vivid violet, hints of electric blue, and a persistent depth that feels almost velvet in quality.

For the collector or designer who seeks a centerpiece that carries a journey within it, this 3.35 carat cushion tanzanite is a rare and tactile narrative, a fragment of Tanzanian geology refined by expert hands into an object of personal meaning. The mixed brilliant cutting strategy ensures that when set in a ring or pendant the stone will give both presence and movement, catching light with an elegant blend of scintillation and color play that sets it apart from other blue and violet gems. At The Natural Gemstone Company we present this piece with full transparency about its enhancement, and with pride in the provenance and finish that make it an enduring choice for someone who values both the natural story and the art of the cutter. Whether you seek a solitary showpiece or a gem to anchor a bespoke design, this tanzanite brings the earths deep patience and the hands of skilled artisans together in a single, luminous jewel.