1.07 ct. Brazilian Rose Muscovite
Color: Medium Pink
Clarity: Transparent
Origin: Brazil
Cut: Oval
Treatments: None
Measurements: 8.2 x 6.2 mm
It is quite uncommon to come across a faceted Muscovite - as a mica it is nearly impossible to facet. Nearly 15 years ago an unusual piece of rough came out of Brazil - sold as Rose Quartz, subsequent advanced testing proved it to be a fine grain mica. This gem and a handful of other pieces where cut from this particular piece, featured in the Spring 2006 issue of Gems and Gemology beginning on pg. 65. It is also likely that the lovely rose color is due to the presence of Manganese. The cutting is very nice and polish is quite respectable for a stone with a Moh's hardness of just above 2. It is the granular nature of the rough (in contrast to single crystal mica which cleaves too easily) that has allowed it to be faceted at all. Absolutely one of the finest stones from this find - very transparent and finely grained and with an excellent and consistent color. Very attractive example of this rarely faceted species.