that's a chunky piece of rough. If 11 is the depth measurement it could cut a substantial stone. I'm betting with proper planning there could be little loss. All depends on possible inclusions. If you do decide to window in for a peek let us know what you find.
Yes, refractol can be used to check the internals of a gemstone. But it's not perfect. It will not see all of the inclusions that can arise to cause problems. But it is a good start. You can start with refractol. If you see big problems then the stone becomes a lovely desk piece, end of problem.
But what if you see nothing? What if refractol gives indications of a clean stone. Will you then consider cutting? If you do it would be best to window the stone before committing to cutting. AND the window could become the flat base to which you place the stone back on your desktop IF you see something disturbing in the stone. In other words, the window may not necessarily ruin the stone and prevent it from becoming a stunning conversation piece. The window could be used to transmit light into the stone for display illumination.
Joined: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:42 pm Posts: 4091 Location: the Netherlands
I understand dioptase's hesitation completely. It's a beautiful crystal and it would be cool to keep it as is. Even from a monetary point of view I think it would make sense...
the stone is absolutely gorgeous as it is. But I'm a cutter. When I examine a piece of rough I immediately look for what the stone will produce as a finished product. I once had a couple of specimens standing around looking good. But after a while I could stand it no longer. One of them became a stunning aquamarine that I subsequently sold to a very satisfied customer. For me the challenge is teasing what can become of rough. It becomes something that I, I alone, have created.
Nevertheless, I totally agree. The stone is stunning as is.
Dioptase, you're not a cutter so you're not afflicted this way. I can't believe I'm saying this, man this kills me. Leave the stone as is, it's a fine example of a garnet specimen. Don't touch it. I have in mind an excellent means of display.
Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:29 am Posts: 928 Location: USA
I would leave it as is and say it is probably worth more as a specimen then a cut stone! You do not typically see full crystals in that good of shape.
And, as mentioned, cut a window in it and the value of it being a specimen just now became a bit of nothing. So it is either all or nothing, meaning, cut it or leave it as is. There is no in between, except viewing it in a liquid, Refractol will be somewhat useful on garnet but not the best choice. A liquid closer to the RI of the garnet would be best, refractol is good up to Beryl but after that starts losing is usefulness quickly.
I think I have a habit Here are the stones we've had faceted by Stephen Kotlowski and Lloyd Forrester. http://www.flickr.com/photos/miele_melograno/6002857635/in/photostream/ There is only one non-garnet in the bunch. There is a chrome tourmaline (second row, fifth column). Although saturated :_( Stephen was able to get some life out of it. Anyway I can't wait to send in more of our rough!
Regarding the Meralani Crystal... Keep it as is!! I have torn my hair and kicked my own butt hundreds of times after cutting specimens and seeing what they command in terms of price 15 years later. I'm talking about 100-450 gram perfect specimens of almost flawless greenish yellow beryl from the Volyn Volodarsk, Jekaterinburg finds from the 90's. I cut many stones from 15 to 50 ct flawless and got peanuts for them compared to what a single crystal commands today... But one had to get some food on the table. If you can manage the food part anyways, KEEP IT!!
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:00 pm Posts: 461 Location: Washington DC
Check out the color on this rhodolite I just finished. It's from my Uncle's old stash of rough so I'm not sure where it's from or how old it is, but I haven't seen anything quite like it before. It color shifts to peachy pink in incandescent light, but I couldn't get a good picture of the shift.
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 12:19 pm Posts: 914 Location: California, USA
This is a Rhodolite I just cut. It is 3.28 carats and 8.8 mm wide x 8.8 mm long x 5.8 mm deep. It shows scarlet and light purple flashes. In this picture, I could not capture the purple well, and it appears more like pink. It is truly stunning in person.
It’ll make a gorgeous ring. To help imagining how it may look like, I just put the stone in a setting that happens to be next to me. (Aw…me like…and me want.) Oh, well, it’s not mine. Let it go, Mitch.
_________________ Best regards, Mitch
I am a slave to cutting a stone completely free of chips and very much enjoying it.
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:00 pm Posts: 461 Location: Washington DC
I've been cutting a lot of Nigerian spessartite lately. It's not super orange material, it has a lot of red and a little brown in it, but it sure glows.
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