Bastnasite-(Ce) (rare) (rough and cut set)

Item Description

Within the last few years, the locality at Zagi Mountain in Pakistan has provided collectors with some of the finest quality and amazingly gemmy Bastnasite specimens. Typically the species forms in relatively thin blades and was never suitable enough for cutting stones. The find in Pakistan has produced some very thick crystals for the species, many of which are of gem quality. The stones cut from some of these crystals are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors. They often have some sort of inclusions, and completely eye clean gems are very hard to find. The stone in this rough and cut set is a beautiful, rich orange color gem with a "Step Round" cut. The stone has some minor inclusions, and totally clean gems are nearly unheard of, so when you have something this size, the inclusions are more than forgivable. The crystal is a wonderful partial hexagonal crystal with a deep orange-brown internal hue and moderate translucency. This set would definitely fill a spot in any rare gem / crystal collection, especially since the stone is so attractive and big. Priced at $2,200 in the inventory.