SOLD
RNC15-028
Epidote (rough and cut set)
Tormiq, Gilgit-Baltistan (Northern Areas), Pakistan
Thumbnail, 2.1 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm (Crystal), 4.35 ct (Gem)
SOLD
2.1 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm (Specimen); 4.35 carats; 10.11 mm x 8.70 mm (Gem) - Epidote is not often seen in faceted stones, and it's rather rare to have a good rough and cut set from any locality. Both the stone and the crystal are from the Alpine-type "kleft" deposit at Tormiq in Pakistan where specimens very similar to those classic pieces from the Austrian Alps have been found. The stone a "Step Cushion" cut, and looks a bit dark face up, but when it's strongly lit, it shows rich golden, amber and even slight yellowish-green hues due to the pleochroism that is exhibited in the species. The specimen is a wonderful "fan"-shaped group of sharp, lustrous, prismatic, dark amber/root beer colored crystals parallel growth. Hard to find these days, as the good Pakistani Epidotes seemed to have disappeared from the market.