Gem: Blue-teal Kornerupine
Weight: 0.53 ct.
Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.6 mm
Clarity: SI, but on the cleaner side
Origin: Umba Valley, Tanzania
Treatments: none, natural gem
Comments:
This is a fun gem -- It's a double-table gemstone, with a bubble carved into one side. That's to add a little energy and fun to the piece.
The color on this one is quite rich, and you do get all three colors, plus their mixed color mashups, all around the edges, with a base color looking into the table of what I would still call teal, but heavy on cerulean.
The purple axis of the gem is north south, meaning you can see the VIVID purple color looking at a shallow angle from both the top of the gem, and the bottom of the gem (see pictures for a better understanding of what I mean by this).
I faceted this gemstone in an original gem shape, which I like to call a pendulum. Bell also fits pretty well. In any event, it is step cut on top and bottom, with the bottom being slightly deeper, and having the carved bubble, centered near the base of the shape.
I really enjoy this one, because the scintillation all around the edges will give you a glimpse of all the different colors. Moving it around in-hand a little, you really get quite the color show.
Kornerupine is a 7 on the mohs scale, which makes it great for a ring. Pair that with the fact that this one is very low-profile, and you have yourself an amazing and rare gem that even people who work with their hands can wear almost every day.