Axinite (fine locality gem)

Item Description

This is a superb collector's stone. Axinite is rarely seen in faceted gems due to the fact that the crystals are often quite thin, and not gemmy enough to produce a stone of any real worth. Many years ago there were some superb Axinites coming out of Baja California, Mexico, which were not only gemmy and thick enough to produce fine stones, but they had excellent color as well. This is a fantastic rich cognac color gem with a "Modified Round Brilliant" cut. The area which produced this material is now mined and there is no other source for good gem Axinites like that is currently producing. To find a gem over 1 carat is very impressive, but THIS stone is nearly 3 carats(!), so this stone is a big deal. It is difficult to find this material in clean stones, so inclusions are accepted by most collectors and dealers. This gem is slightly included, but it also shows a bit of trichroic color-change when rotated in different directions. The color shifts from orange-brown to somewhat of a purplish-brown when rotated in the light (best seen from the pavillion). Axinite is actually hard enough that it can be worn in jewelry, though it is a bit brittle, so I wouldn't recommend putting it in a ring, only a pendant.