Very Rare Gemstone: Cuprite - 80.81 Ct.. Onganja Mine, Onganja, Seeis. Windhoek District. Khomas Region. Namib...

Description

Very Rare Gemstone: Cuprite - 80.81 Ct.
Onganja Mine, Onganja, Seeis
Windhoek District
Khomas Region
Namibia

This stone hails from the famed Onganja Mine in Namibia. Onganja was first mined in the 1970s for Copper ore and is now known as a site where rare, blood red, transparent Cuprite can be found. Very few localities produce this Copper oxide mineral, which can then be cut into beautiful gemstones. This piece came out of the original 1970s expeditions and exhibits the deep, blood red hue. This piece started out as a broken flat crystal, but after over 20 hours of cutting and polishing, it is now this impressive 80.81 carat example. This large cushion cut stone has a brilliant mixed cut crown and a step cut pavilion, while exhibiting an almost metallic luster very distinctive of the variety. There are some scratches on the table and one tiny nick on the culet which is not surprising given the softness of the material. Overall, this stone is in great condition.
Measurements: 27.3 x 21 x 9.7 mm, 80.81 cts.

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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