18MA04 Grandidierite
Tranomaro Commune, Amboasary District, Anosy Region, Tuléar Province, Madagascar
3.8x 3.2x 1.4 cm
$1850
In 2016 there was a rather spectacular find of this blue-green borosilicate mineral in southern Madagascar, long considered to be among the world's rarest gems. I has seen some available on my previous trip, but the quality was horrible-- they were basically formless shards, and few if any had crystal faces much less a termination.
There was a little bit more available this time around, but once again, the majority were shards. Still, I looked through them and was able to obtain a small number of pieces that had visible crystal faces, and even a few with terminations. This one has both-- the main crystal is terminated, as are a couple of the secondary ones.
I understand this looks a bit messy, but if you saw the messy shards or broken, tightly packed jumbles that comprise the average specimen, this one would stand out instantly. It really is *very* good for what it is.....
