Bustamite

Item Description

The famous quote from John Sinkankas was "gems are minerals after all". In our continued efforts to promote the importance of gemstones for ALL collectors, we want to give mineral collectors a chance at a rare cut stone that complements a choice mineral specimen from a classic locality. Some of the finest mineral collections in the world are accompanied by gemstones that either complete a "rough and cut" set for certain specimens, or simply show the beauty of particular species when they are faceted. We are offering this stone as an opportunity for collectors to expand their horizons and purchase gemstones that would supplement crystallized specimens in their collections. I think it is important for collectors to know that faceted stones can expand one's interests in minerals and can add a certain reverence to the hobby of collecting minerals. Bustamite is a somewhat rare Manganese Calcium Silicate, and the specimens from South Africa are sought after for their lapidary value. Typically the South African Bustamites are pink, but this stone has a noticeable orange hue, and is certainly more translucent than many other Bustamites I have seen (most are closer to opaque). This "Oval" cut gem really glows in the sunlight like a pastel color Rhodochrosite. This is the first Bustamite stone that I have had to offer in the auctions in years, so don't miss out.