Tourmaline (Cat's Eye)

Brazil
Gems, 2.69 ct, 7.30 mm
Start Time: 06/07/2012 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/14/2012 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. Here is something that truly isn't as common as one might think. Tourmalines come in virtually every color and have some of the most vivid and rich pinks, greens and blues of any gems out there. Cat's Eye stones are created by orienting the stone perpendicular to the tiny fibrous inclusions inside which in turn reflect the light causing an "eye" to appear. This gem is a rich pink cabochon gem with a good quality "eye" running across the stone. The stone was photographed using a strong pen light to show off the "eye" better. This stone is also incredibly gemmy, which is not often seen in Cat's Eye Tourmaline gems.

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