9.51 ct. Pollucite
9.51 ct. Pollucite
Color: Colorless
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Afghanistan
Cut: Oval Brilliant
Treatments: None
Measurements: 16.3 x 12.7 mm
Historically, gem grade Pollucite is exceptionally rare. Prior to the Afghani and Pakistani finds any and all facet grade material came from small fragments from either Maine or Connecticut. Clean stones above a few carats where unheard of - indeed, in the 1994 edition of Sinkankas' Standard Catalog of Gem Values, stones are quoted up to 10 carats, listed as often with inclusions and give a value range of $50-$130/ct! With some recent production, the current market is certainly a buyer's one.
This gem is a particularly fine example of this scarce Zeolite group mineral - it is extremely well cut and is completely clean, even under 10x magnification. Excellent polish and very brilliant and a great size approaching 10 carats.