Sodalite (var: Hackmanite) (rare) (fluorescent and tenebrescent)

Item Description

Sodalite is a fairly well-known feldspathoid mineral, but the crystals are nearly always opaque. It's fair to say that gem quality material of any reasonable size is quite hard to find in nature. Typically, gem quality Sodalite with labeled with the varietal name Hackmanite. Sodalite is a very durable stone and that's why it is so popular among dealers and collectors alike because it can be set into jewelry. This beautiful gem is one of only a handful of faceted Hackmanites that I've had to offer from Afghanistan recently. Hackmanite from Afghanistan is often both fluorescent and tenebrescent. Obviously fluorescence is the reaction and subsequent change in color of a material when it's exposed to UV light, and tenebrescence is the process by which a mineral changes daylight color after being exposed to ultra-violet light. This particular stone is virtually colorless, but displays a bright orange fluorescence under long wave UV light, which in turn is what causes the tenebresence. The stone will actually turn a fairly strong PURPLE color after being exposed to UV light. The stone will then return to its original colorless hue after a few days. This process is 100% repeatable and in no way hurts the stone. This gem has a "Trillion" cut and is only very very slightly included which is good for the material even in smaller stones. It's nearly impossible to find completely clean stones unless they are exceptionally small. This material is retailing for HIGH numbers now across the board, and you simply can't get your hands on gems with this kind of clarity.