Sphalerite (cut by Robert Heath)

Item Description

Sphalerite is a rare collector's gem, which has the distinction of being one of the few TRANSPARENT sulfide species. Additionally, Sphalerite can be quite colorful and it also has a stunningly high refractive index, which is nearly as high as Diamond. The Septemvri Mine in Bulgaria is probably the best active region producing gem quality Sphalerite in the world right now. Some of the best optic grade green, yellow and orange Sphalerite in the world is found in this mine. This particular gem is a good sized, saturated orange color gem with a "Modified Octagon Brilliant" cut. This stone has some very very slight inclusions, which is remarkable, as most Sphalerites have notably visible inclusions. The stone is not at all "murky" and it is difficult to obtain a Sphalerite from Bulgaria with the clarity that this stone has. The gem was cut by Robert Heath.