Fire opal has been found in Ethiopia for many years, this new deposit also known as 'desert opal,' typically has a white silica base, compared to the previous finds that were brown or occasionally black. Desert opal can be brilliant and colorful. It is a new deposit, and as such untested for very long time horizons (like Australian). We have cut many pieces, and if they don't crack during cutting, we let them "rest," for about a year, before offering them for sale. The rough piece weighs 55.80 carats/ 11.16 grams. It is a wonderful specimen from this new deposit. The piece is a nodule, that has a flat face, and the quality of the opal seam is beautiful. Pics don't convey the way the light pics up the colors when you see it in person.  The cabochon that accompanies the larger piece weighs 3.89 carats. It is cut as a high dome round. I matched the color play as much as possible to make the set. They both exhibit flashes of green and orange, with the cab exhibiting a bit more blue. 

EMERALD2 - Beryl var. Emerald with Pyrite
$ 395.00 SOLD NET
Muzo Mine, Muzo, Vasquez-Yacopí Mining District, Boyacá Department, Colombia
thumbnail - 1 x .85 x .5 cm

This Emerald was recently mined in Columbia. It is gemmy and has a good green color that leans towards the blue range of the spectrum, which is indicative of Muzo emeralds. It has a bright pyrite crystal that is partially embedded in the Emerald. This aspect of the crystal makes it particularly unique. There are two other small indentations in the crystal where two other Pyrites used to be attached (as seen in "emerald2c"), and are not technically considered damage to the primary crystal. It weighs 4.02 carats. 

 

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

FLUORITE3 - Fluorite on Quartz with Ferberite
$ 215.00 SOLD
Yaogangxian mine, Yizhan co., Chenzhou city, HuNan province, China
miniature - 4.4 x 4 x 3.1 cm

This specimen is aesthetic and quite attractive. There is a well formed cube of blue/purple fluorite perched on top of phantom Quartz crystals (the larger one showing secondary growth), and the Quartz is growing on top of Ferberite, which serves nicely as a natural base. It's in excellent condition overall. The Quartz and Fluorite are damage-free, and only the Ferberite "base," is broken on either end, (but that doesn't take away from the eye-appeal of this stunning miniature.)

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(click on the pictures to enlarge)

AQUA5 - Beryl var. Aquamarine
$ 265.00 SOLD
Xeubaoding Mine, Pingwu Co., Sichuan Province, China
small cabinet - 7.5 x 5.8 x 3.8 cm

This is a tabular (flat) Aqua crystal cluster with Mica. It looks good from both sides. One side has a glassy surface (pic: 5a) and the other side is more textured (pic 5d: due to contact with mica crystals). There are two smaller Aqua, tucked in with the largest one. It is gemmy and has a good color for this location. Most Aqua from this mine is closer to Goshenite (colorless Beryl). It's in great condition, no dings at all. 

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