Grandidierite

Item Description

A rather rare mineral, grandidierite is seldom seen in gem or mineral collections. Translucent material is sometimes cut into cabochons, but clear faceted stones are extreme rarities. Recent discoveries of fully transparent material in Madagascar has brought some valuable gems to the market, but these are extremely limited and especially rare in sizes over one carat. They are also quite expensive for most collectors even if you can find one. This large example (nearly 5 carats) is from the noted collection of Bill and Anne Cook. It is not fully transparent as with the top grade material, but it is a nicely translucent to transparent and with a very lovely blue-green color. The color is actually more saturated and strong than modern finds, and it is an older piece. Their records indicate that it is from Fort Dauphin, Tulear Prov, Madagascar. Simply a “cool” specimen of excellent display size for a new or established collection of rare gems. (N). Valued $3500-plus.