Art-cut Olmiite gem (rare - 0.95 carats) ex Obodda

Item Description

Well-known mineral and gem dealer, Herb Obodda, was renowned for obtaining very rare and exotic cut stones. Here's a real rarity for the gem, species or locality collector: a 0.95 carat, art-cut, amber, translucent, olmiite crystal. Olmiite was formerly known as poldervaartite, prior to recent extensive testing. Olmiite is a very rare silicate, unique to the mines of the Kalahari manganese field. It has a hardness of 5 - 5.5, similar to apatite and is not considered a gemstone. RARE! Herb had a net price of $500 on this, more than 5 years ago.