3.04 ct. Brazilian Triphylite
Color: Dark Brownish-Green / Brown
Clarity: Slightly Included
Origin: Minas Gerais
Cut: Rectangular Step
Treatments: None
Measurements: 9.5 x 6.4 mm
A rare mineral to begin with, facet grade Triphylite is extraordinarily rare. Typically found only in Minas Gerais, we have a few have offered a few of these over the years, but larger stones are difficult and we almsot never see them over 2 carats. It is a lithium phosphate mineral with an unusual color shift capability; stones will go from browish green to a sort of orangish brown, a color sometimes aptly called ‘rootbeer’. This property varies from stone to stone (the colors mix in some light to be sure) and so to find a larger gem with a fine change is quite notable. The present gem is quite fine indeed - huge for the species, and with a well defined color change. The cutting is respectable (these are often very flat) there are only a few needles as inclusions. A rare example.