click to enlarge:
Howardite aka Rattlesnake Jasper designer gem 5/2/2018 01 -
35 x 19 x 3.5 mm - 16 carats - This unusual cab is cut from
one of the most rare and sought after semi-precious stones
in the world. The material is said to be an agatized/silicified/opalized
tuff of which the location of the deposit is apparently lost
or mined out, nobody seems to know exactly. It has been
thought to come from northern Nevada. John Sinkankas
mentioned in the book "Gemstones of North America" (1959)
that this material was more like chert and that it came from
California (shown in a photo with other California agates).
Regardless of locality it is some of the rarest lapidary
materials available. This unique designer teardrop gem has a
beautiful low dome, girdled sides and a flat beveled back
with glossy luster. There are some druzy surface voids that
do not detract from the quality or beauty of the stone. This
is a rare and very nice cabochon of this illusive stone.
Here is a video clip to see the stone in motion:
https://youtu.be/jRXCATF0i14
NOW SET IN JEWELRY
HERE
www.SkyesGems.com |