-
Scapolite
- Dara-i-Pech, Kunar Province, Afghanistan
- Gems, 1.83 ct, 11.2 mm x 5.0 mm
- Start Time: 05/30/2013 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
- End Time: 06/06/2013 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
- Auction Closed
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. Scapolite is not a species, but is often assigned to gems as it is more recognizable to most collectors. The actual species are Meionite and Marialite. Nonetheless, Scapolite is much less common in purple stones, as most gems are either yellow or colorless. Purple Scapolites are often much smaller than their yellow or colorless counterparts, and they are one of the few purple gems out there beyond more commonly known Kunzite (which is rarely purple) and Amethyst. This stone is from a a new find in Afghanistan, and is one of the larger, cleaner stones from this country that I've seen. The gem is very very slightly included with an "Elongated Barion" cut. The high end retail value on this stone is $274.50