3.12 ct. Japanese Iridescent Garnet
Color: Dark Brown / Iridescence
Clarity: Semi-Translucent
Origin: Kose Mine, Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Cut: Triangle
Treatments: None
Measurements: 9.7 x 8.8 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. Superb polishing job, great size and one of the few examples of stones from this find that could easily be incorporated into jewelry.