10 Dec 2012
13:00 PST
Los Angeles
Natural History-Unmounted Gemstones, Jewelry, Pearls
Back to auction 20082
Natural History-Unmounted Gemstones, Jewelry, Pearls
Back to auction 20082
World-class Immense Yellow Orthoclase Feldspar
Itrongahy , Madagascar
The name orthoclase is from the Greek for "straight fracture," because its two cleavage planes are at right angles to each other. Orthoclase belongs to the feldspar family of minerals that make up more than half of the Earth's rocky crust. Very rarely these common minerals form crystals that are gem quality. Orthoclase can be found as a transparent colorless, champagne, or yellow gem resembling citrine quartz or yellow beryl. This 283-carat gem is unusual because orthoclase rarely occurs in a colorful transparent form. Its vast size, fantastic transparency, and vibrant yellow color all contribute to its rarity. This is a museum-quality, world class gemstone originating from Madagascar, the most important source for gem-quality orthoclase.
Weighing approximately 283 carats and measuring 55.0 x 41.0 x 27.0mm
The name orthoclase is from the Greek for "straight fracture," because its two cleavage planes are at right angles to each other. Orthoclase belongs to the feldspar family of minerals that make up more than half of the Earth's rocky crust. Very rarely these common minerals form crystals that are gem quality. Orthoclase can be found as a transparent colorless, champagne, or yellow gem resembling citrine quartz or yellow beryl. This 283-carat gem is unusual because orthoclase rarely occurs in a colorful transparent form. Its vast size, fantastic transparency, and vibrant yellow color all contribute to its rarity. This is a museum-quality, world class gemstone originating from Madagascar, the most important source for gem-quality orthoclase.
Weighing approximately 283 carats and measuring 55.0 x 41.0 x 27.0mm
Estimate:
US$ 25,000 - 35,000
£17,000 - 23,000
€19,000 - 27,000
£17,000 - 23,000
€19,000 - 27,000
Category: Natural History
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Claudia Florian
Bonhams
Work
7601 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles,
90046
United States
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+1 323 436 5437
FaxFax: +1 323 850 5843
Auction Administration
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Natural History