Gemstone: Star Quartz - 1,333.85 Cts.. Sri Lanka (Ceylon). ...

Description

Gemstone: Star Quartz - 1,333.85 Cts.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Phenomenal Quartz specimens are popular varieties admired for their hypnotic optical effects. This particular specimen is a substantial spherical dome 'cabochon' that has been masterfully cut to prominently feature a striking six-rayed star known as an asterism. Weighing nearly 1,335 carats, the huge colorless specimen exhibits a fairly sharp, well-centered, white six-rayed star with each ray extending beyond the girdle. Quartz commonly forms in metamorphic formations, mostly in Brazil, but this fine example hails from Sri Lanka. The high-grade metamorphic rocks create an ideal growing environment, allowing the mineral to develop in unique ways and absorb neighboring Rutile inclusions. These microscopic needle-like Rutile inclusions create a star when they interact with direct light due to several series of parallel inclusions, in this case, as three intersecting light bands. The high spherical dome features a nice polish on the crown, while the pavilion is semi-polished, and the base has been cut flat for ease of display. Fashioning Quartz with asterisms is notoriously challenging, as it is hard to align the star in the center due to difficulty in locating the c-axis, making this one large and exceptional example of a highly sought-after material. This unique offering will be the perfect addition to any 'cabinet of curiosities' or will make a most distinguished paperweight.
Measurements: 66.52 x 52.77 x 50.58 mm, 1,333.85 cts.

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