3.28 ct. South African Olmiite
Color: Medium Dark Slightly Brownish-Orange
Clarity: Translucent
Origin: South Africa
Cut: Rectangular Step
Treatments: None
Measurements: 9.3 x 7.8 mm
A rather large example of this rarely encountered species. Until just about a decade ago these were generally mis-identified as Poldervaartite, another manganese mineral that is closely related. The color is distinct, there simply are not many gems that come naturally by this hue. Always cut from specimens that are not single-crystal, the gems are not fully transparent, but more translucent as in a chalcedony. A 3 carat stone is quite a respectable size - great collection gem.