Sanidine (superb GEM quality feldspar)

Item Description

Sanidine is a potassium dominant feldspar that is found in various localities around the world, but GEM quality material is scarce, especially in larger pieces. Recent analysis has shown that many of the famous yellow "Orthoclase" stones from the classic locality of Itrongay in Madagascar are actually some of the finest gem SANIDINES extant, thanks to the work by Skip Simmons and Al Falster. Additionally, it was discovered that this material is monoclinic low Sanidine due to cation distribution and ordering of Si, Al, Fe on the tetragonal (T1) site. I should point out that "Itrongay" is an archaic name that you will not find on any current maps at it dates back to a now extinct village from the early 20th century, but we've seen in recent years that some of this material is coming from near a village name Benono. The best of these Sanidine crystals from Madagascar are not only good sized for the species, but the fact that many of them are completely WATER CLEAR is remarkable. It's notably difficult to find transparent Feldspar in nature, especially in crystals large and thick enough to yield a faceted stone of this size. This rather large stone is certainly noteworthy and stands up well against the majority of the gem Feldspars I've seen from this area in terms of size, color and clarity. The stone is a very attractive yellow color, with nearly eye clean clarity and a "Modified Emerald Brilliant" cut. These gems are not very common and are some of the most desirable and exemplary Feldspar stones around. Valued at $1,128.00 retail in our inventory.