Vesuvianite ("Californite") (note $100 reserve)

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. This material is simply a variety of Vesuvianite, that is sometimes called "California Jade". The name for this stone is actually pretty old, and dates back to the days of noted gemologist George Kunz who first described the material. At the time, he thought it was a new form of jade, but Vesuvianite is often confused for other minerals. This "Narrow Emerald" cut stone is actually a very good quality gem for this material as it has great translucency, and amazingly rich color. The stone is only a bit cloudy, but has a nice green color that shows up very well. The high retail value is $250.50