8.35 ct. Illinois Witherite
Color: White
Clarity: Translucent
Origin: Cave-in-Rock, Hardin Co., Illinois
Cut: Rectangular Step
Treatments: None
Measurements: 13.3 x 8.9 mm
An extremely uncommon U.S. gem material and one that we have only been able to offer a few times previously. Witherite is a barium mineral that doesn't often form with sufficient clarity to facet. One locale that does produce gem rough are the well known mineral deposits around Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. This fine example, a very good sized gem, is extremely well cut and is of an exceptional level of transparency for the material. In fact, this is as 'gemmy' as we have ever seen Witherite. An experienced hand has given it a very fine polish for a mineral with a hardness of 3 on the Moh's scale. As is expected with this material, it has a bluish-white fluorescence under UV light and will even phosphoresce for a few seconds after exposure to shortwave UV light. Quite uncommon, even within 'rare stone' circles.