0.66 ct. Afghanite
Color: Medium Blue
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Afghanistan
Cut: Cushion Mixed
Treatments: None
Measurements: 6.1 x 5.1 mm
A simply remarkable gem example of this rare species. Stones of this quality - superb color and clean are typically available in sizes up to 0.15 ct., even then they are rare and the per carat prices achieved are rather astonishing. The main difficulty is that Afghanite is not usually fully transparent - it is closely related to Sodalite if that gives you an idea of the usual level of transparency. In the last few years, it has become possible to source a few stones that are indeed clean and fully transparent - but again, these are stones in the 0.02 to perhaps 0.15 ct. weight range.
Apart from the size, the quality is simply magnificent - the stone is fully clean and very brilliant. The color is so pleasant and quite bright - more saturated than you might expect, but remember we are used to stones that are much, much smaller. Like a fine Aqua. With a GIT mini report as well.