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As we strive to source the best
quality faceted Sphene from all major world sources, we have just added
several special Chrome Sphenes from Pakistan to our inventory.
Experienced dealers from Pakistan recently brought some
unusual rough to Bangkok. The Sphene came from one
pocket, discovered in the summer mining season. The deposit was
found at high altitude in the valley between Skardu and Gilgit in the
Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Most of the stones produced were included.
A few gems, however, were clean, and are pleased to have selected and
purchased the cleanest stones with the best color. Care was taken
to re-cut each of these gems to maximize the brilliance and dispersion.
We have never seen Sphene from any location
with this strong green color and intense orange-red flash. The
shifting of color in different lights is also notable. After
extensive testing, it was found that in addition to Strontium and
Yttrium, Chromium is also present, and is almost certainly responsible
for the unusual color in this Sphene.
The best stones from this
newly found Sphene deposit are special. The amount of rough being
brought to Bangkok, however, is small. As well, the number of top
stones which can be produced from this rough is also very limited.
This heart is a top stone, and although there are some very slight
inclusions, the color, brilliance, and dispersion are excellent. |
