Amethyst with Lepidocrocite inclusions

Item Description

A gorgeous old time Amethyst gem from Madagascar with a deep "Siberian" purple color and a "Round Step Brilliant" cut that features gorgeous fiery red colored thin "needle"-like inclusions of Lepidocrocite (an iron oxide mineral). One of the best examples of this material that we've ever had to offer in the auctions. This stone dates back to the 1980s era of mining in Madagascar.
This stone is from the estate of former Phoenix area dealer Marvin Rockey. Rockey's Gems was a significant business in the early days of Arizona lapidary material, and he was a prominent dealer and buyer in the Arizona area of local lapidary and carving material from throughout the state, including Bisbee, the Ray Mine, Miami mines, and the Peridot finds on Indian lands in the 1950s-1970s. This stone was kept back from the retail stock for its quality and beauty, in a tray of special material, and was found in his estate (sold to us only recently). Today, these are not only rarely seen but of a highly desirable old quality, and sought after by collectors and gem / jewelry enthusiasts alike.