1.17 ct. Japanese Iridescent Garnet
Color: Dark Brown / Iridescence
Clarity: Semi-Translucent
Origin: Kose Mine, Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Cut: Oval - Checkerboard Top
Treatments: None
Measurements: 6.4 x 5.2 mm
These are one of the most distinctive of all Garnets. From a well known (and now completely off-limits) Japanese locality, the iridescence is caused by the twinning of the garnet crystal and is close to the surface only - too deep a polish will remove it entirely. Anything symmetrical from this locale is scarce - these are often left as freeforms to lessen the likelihood of polishing away the iridescence. A beautiful example with the absolute finest degree of colors for these and superior luster; remarkably, there is even some translucency to the garnet's bodycolor. One of the few examples of stones from this find that could easily be incorporated into jewelry.