Sinhalite (very rare) Back to CONSIGNMENT and COLLECTION AUCTIONS - Ends June 17th

• Starting Time:6/10/2010 06:45:00 PM(CDT)
• Ending Time:6/17/2010 06:45:00 PM(CDT)

• Time Left:Auction Is Closed

• Size:1.84 ct
• Size Description:9.1 mm x 7.0 mm

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 gem is one of the more unique stones out there. It is usually found in metamorphic contacts in limestone like the skarn zones in Tanzania or in Warren County, New York. This is a rare gem, but despite its rarity, it occurs in very large gems from Sri Lanka. Stone between 1-10 carats are not unheard of. This material was long thought to be brown Peridot until it was investigated in 1952 and found to be a new mineral. The material gets is name from the old Sanskrit word for Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) "sinhala". This particular stone is a virtually eye clean, light golden yellow gem with a beautiful "Oval" cut on it. A very unique and rare gem on the market. The high retail value on this stone is $368.