Rose Quartz (large sphere featuring a 6-ray star)

Item Description

A superb sphere of Rose Quartz from Brazil with one of the sharpest and finest quality 6-ray stars I've seen in the material. Rose Quartz is the pink variety of Quartz, and color is actually caused by tiny fibrous inclusions of the silicate species Dumortierite (George Rossman was actually able to extract the fibers from Rose Quartz - https://www.mindat.org/photo-743401.html ). The material is beloved for its unique pink color which ranges from a soft pink to a rather rich vivid pink from some localities. Rose Quartz stones are often used in cabochons as the material is rarely clean enough for faceted gems, because the majority of it is "milky" or "cloudy". Every once in a while, the inclusions in Rose Quartz will allow for 6-ray stars to appear. This effect is called "asterism", and it is seen in many stones in the gem world when the tiny fibrous inclusions are oriented in a way that allows them to reflect light in a way that the "star" appears. This stone is a very good sized polished sphere, and the 6-ray star that "floats" across the surface when the piece is viewed under direct lighting. It is one of the best Rose Quartz Stars that I have ever had to offer, and I think it would make a great addition to any collection. BETTER IN PERSON, it's very difficult to properly show off the "star" in the video. Valued $2,270.
From the collection of Jim Houran.