Titanite (great dispersion)

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. Sometimes this species is referred to as "Sphene" but it is an archaic term although both are generally accepted in the gem and mineral world. It seems to me that more often it is referred to as "Sphene" in the gem world and Titanite is used for crystallized specimens. One of the great aspects of faceted Titanite is the incredibly high dispersion of the material, which this stone has in spades! This gem is a bright beautiful golden color, very very slightly included "Modified Trillion" cut gem, but the most interesting aspect is the fact that it shows amazingly high dispersion when rotated in the light (best viewed in sunlight). The photos do not do this stone justice as it shows bright red, green and orange flashes which dance all over the stone. This is one of the few Afghani Titanites that we've had to offer in the auctions, and would make a great addition to any collection. Valued at $322.00 high retail.