RARE GEMSTONE: PRASE OPAL - 32.55 CT. ...

Description

RARE GEMSTONE: PRASE OPAL - 32.55 CT
Haneti, Tanzania
From the top of Iyobo Mountain near Haneti, Tanzania, comes this unusual gemstone: Prase Opal - the nickel-bearing variety of common Opal where Nickel is the component that adds the neon bluish-green hue to the Opal. Looking remarkably like Chrysoprase, it can easily be distinguished by its refractive index and specific gravity - not only is Prase Opal more translucent and gemmy, it is considerably rarer. Although the Iyobo Mountain area has been mined for over 20 years, the recent 2009 discovery unearthed some of the most intense and beautiful bluish green material ever to reach the gem market. This brilliant apple-green oval cabochon weighs a sizable 32.55 carats. It is very translucent and even in color, well cut with a moderate high dome, and has an excellent polish. Overall measurements are 25.67 mm x 19.74 mm x 13.01 mm high.

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