Idocrase (Vesuvianite) - $1.50/ct
Locality: Kenya, Africa

 

I have managed to find some more of this material, but have been told that the mine is gone and there will not be any more material available, at least from this mine. So get it while it lasts.

Idocrase is actually pretty rare... This material is slightly sleepy/silky but it facets a very nice green stone for anybody's gemstone collection. Idocrase is 6.5 hardness and 1.71 refractive index, polish with a tin lap and aluminia. Vargas in faceting for Amateur says (p253)... "This material handles easily with care. Most rough is flawed, and flawless gems are small and rare."

Larger stones are very difficult to get because most of this rough has to be clipped and cleaned. Larger stones are seldom clean enough to cut and by the time the rough is cleaned/clipped there are very few stones cuttable over 7 or 8 carats. I acquired this rough from a mine that was found near Mount Vesuvious, this is why it is sometimes called Vesuvianite.

Parcels Available:
100 carats @ $150.00

Rough Index

E-mail to inquire or order: jeff @ faceters.com or jeff @ cabbers.com