18.16 ct. Brazilian Blue Barite
Color: Medium Light Blue
Clarity: Eye Clean
Origin: Brazil
Cut: Rectangular Step
Treatments: None
Measurements: 14.2 x 13 mm
Blue is one of the rarest colors for this gem material, most of the known examples coming from the area around Stoneham, Colorado. This superb gem is one of the largest and most attractive completely blue gems from a small find of blue Barites out of Brazil that was featured in GIA's Gems and Gemology in the Spring 2010 issue. Barite is not the easiest gem material to cut and polish, so the excellent job here deserves mention; the shape and polish are both very nicely done. The true standout is the gorgeous color, a fine medium light blue that would make an Aquamarine jealous. A magnificent stone in a remarkable size; Colorado stones are rare over 5 carats.