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Scapolite from Tanzania
No. 1002: Cut Corner Barion Square Cut, VVS, 3.85 ct., 9.4 x 9.4 x 7.4 mm, $250.25, faceted by Robert Drummond Sold
Scapolite is a complicated sodium calcium aluminum silicate of Mohs' hardness 5 to 6.5. This little-recognized gem material commonly occurs in yellow and purple colors. The above gemstone, faceted from material mined in Tanzania, shows excellent proportion, symmetry, facet shape and meets, and polish. The Barion Square cut, a design by Sid Ward, delivers excellent light return and scintillation. Scapolite is somewhat soft and would be best suited for setting in a pendant or pin.
This is a natural color for scapolite. Although some scapolite is treated to induce a lavender color, it is believed that this gemstone, cut from a lavender-colored piece of gem rough, displays a natural color.