GRADING REPORT QAM1581
- Identification: Natural Untreated Quartz-Azurite-Malachite
- Carat: 15.81
- Shape: Triangular Flat Cabochon
- Measures: 27.79x24.96x3.40 (millimeter)
- Color Grade: n.a. but exciting
- Tone: Light 0 to Medium 50
- Color Zoning / Texture: Smooth surface, strong zoning
- Clarity: Opaque
- Cutting Grade: Very Good
- Finish: Very Good
- Depth: 14%
- Origin: Russia
Treatment: None
Certificate No: DSEF QZ 080224
Overall Grade: n.a. but Excellent
Comment: On our recent excursions into unknown varieties we came across this here gemstone, that is so rare as gem, it has no name, yet. Since we could not find a single 'other', at least online, the grading says 'not applicable' because we would need at least a few others to compare it with. No such luck. Anyways, the images show such a color-based opaque gem very realistically (as opposed to more complex facetted gems). With its shape and size it could make a unique attention-grabbing pendant or worked into a bracelet. You might use it as a guitar pick, or plectrum, but perhaps that would be a waste. BTW, did you know that till the invention of modern plastics, picks were made from tortoiseshells? Azurite and malachite occur as crystals and are adored for their strong color contrasts, though thin veins of green malachite and far stronger blue azurite. This crystal here was mixed in, or based-on, a white quartz matrix and somebody had the genuine idea to slice and polish it into gemstones. Well done! A rare and interesting addition to any gem collection and an opportunity for the creative jewelry designer.
