Scapolite

near Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan
Small Cabinet, 6.2 x 5.2 x 2.2 cm
Start Time: 07/14/2016 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 07/21/2016 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

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 crystals as most of them 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 minerals out there beyond more commonly known Kunzite (which is rarely truly purple) and Amethyst. This stone is from a fairly recent find in Afghanistan, features a sharp, lustrous, GEM quality, prismatic, purple crystal aesthetically flaring off matrix. Most of these you have seen have probably been single crystals, and not on matrix. The crystal on this piece is nearly 100% WATER-CLEAR and measures 2.3 cm. Valued at $1850.

Did You Know We Offer Custom Bases?

Learn More