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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 Sphenes from Pakistan to our inventory.
Experienced dealers from Pakistan brought some
special rough to Bangkok last month. The rough 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 purchased a
selection of the best stones.
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. We
originally thought that chromium content was responsible for the strong
green color and the shifting of color. However, after testing at
the GIT lab, no chromium was detected. Now we will test further in
an effort to find out which ions may be causing these stones to be so
unique and attractive.
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 impressive. These
newly found Sphenes are special, and there will not be many of them, as
the find was relatively small. |
