Spodumene var. Kunzite Rough and Cut Set. Oceanview Mine, Chief Mountain, Pala, Pala Mining District, San Diego County, Cali... (Total: 3 Items)

Description

Spodumene var. Kunzite Rough and Cut Set
Oceanview Mine, Chief Mountain, Pala, Pala Mining District, San Diego County, California, USA
Crystal: 16.8 x 6.6 x 0.9 cm ( 6.61 x 2.58 x 0.36 in)
Gemstone: 2.3 x 1.6 x 1.4 cm (0.89 x 0.63 x 0.54 in)
37.2 carats (7.5 grams)

The Oceanview Mine has a long history as a group of lodes exploited for gemstone rough, first opening in 1907 (119 years ago!) and remaining an active site to this day. Kunzite was one of the most sought-after minerals for gem rough that was found at this mine; in fact, it was the gemstone expert and buyer for Tiffany & Co in the late 1800s, George Frederick Kunz, who first discovered this material on an expedition to Pala, California. He was the first to describe this new purple variety of Spodumene, which was subsequently named in his honor as "Kunzite." Now, most Kunzite is more pale-pink than purple, but this stellar example is as purple as they get, presenting with a very bright color even though the crystal is very tabular. The Kunzite is wonderfully etched and extremely transparent, like a pane of striated glass. It is fully terminated and etched on both ends. There is very little cleaving or bruising. The termination has a unique pattern: one side of the crystal has a waterfall-like slope down into the end of the crystal, while the other side is a more traditional straight stop into the termination face.

This Kunzite crystal comes with a fantastic matching gemstone, weighing in at a hefty 37.2 carats. It is cut into an oval, with the brilliant facets reflecting light and color very well within the stone. The color of this Kunzite is as good as it gets, complimentary to the hue of the natural crystal. The gemstone is eye-clean, with one veil inclusion that is only visible when looking at the side of the stone (it is perpendicular to the table). The gemstone is in excellent condition, with no visible nicks. Both the gemstone and the crystal specimen are displayed together in a custom milled acrylic base. An extremely fine, historical set in all regards!

From The John Farmer Collection.

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