0.61 ct. Tanzanian Magnesio-Axinite
Color: Light Violet-Purple / Pinkish-Orange
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Merelani, Tanzania
Cut: Oval Portuguese
Treatments: None
Measurements: 6.1 x 4.1 mm
A fascinating material, Merelani Magnesio-Axinite is famed for its unique color and its very apparent color change. We have been looking at these stones for over a decade now, and while the great ones are really something, they are sadly exceptionally rare. Flat crystals make for shallow stones and inclusions are the norm - both factors that diminish the color this variety is capable of. The present gem is one of the absolute best examples of a fine Merelani stone - a very lovely light violet-purple that shifts dramatically to a pinkish-orange. The tone on this is always quite light, so you can see how a shallow gem would lose its color quickly.
Moreover, this is a clean stone - inordinately rare for these. The cutting is extremely well done as a full Portuguese oval, giving the gem a brilliance we rarely see. Really one of the best we have seen.