Tremolite

specimen number:
2072237

location:
Merelani, Manyara, Tanzania

description:
A loose single terminated beautiful green gemmy crystal of tremolite. In good condition.

The Merelani Hills, located near Arusha in the Lelatema Mountains of northern Tanzania, represent a unique geological environment within the Neoproterozoic Mozambique Metamorphic Belt. Geologically, the deposit consists of high-grade metamorphic rocks, specifically graphite-bearing kyanite-quartz-feldspar schists and altered limestones, which underwent intense folding and hydrothermal activity. While the area is globally famous for tanzanite, it also produces exceptional gem-quality tremolite, which occurs as transparent, vibrant lime-green to forest-green crystals. This rare green coloration is attributed to trace amounts of vanadium and chromium within the silicate structure. Historically, the mineral potential of the area was first recognized in the late 1960s following the discovery of tanzanite by Ali Juuyawatu and Manuel de Souza. Industrial and artisanal mining operations have expanded significantly across four designated blocks (A through D) from the 1970s through the present day. Today, Merelani remains an active and heavily regulated mining district, where specialized underground tunneling continues to yield both the world's supply of tanzanite and rare, facet-grade green tremolite specimens for the international gem and mineral markets.

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