The demand for heliodor in the gem market fluctuates by fashion to an extent. Since one of the Pantone Colors of the Year for 2021 is a bright yellow named “Illuminating,” all tones of heliodor should get more attention.
Market TrendsBrightly colored crystals of fluorite, a.k.a., fluorspar, in large sizes have been a prized possession of mineral collectors for hundreds of years. This calcium fluoride mineral was first named by Carlo Antonio Galeani Napione in the late 18th century. He was inspired by the Latin word “fluere” meaning “to flow" because the mineral is used as a flux in iron smelting for industrial purposes.
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)Gem quality feldspar species are more commonly sought as collectors’ stones and seldom for jewelry since they are not very durable. They tend to be colorless, light yellow, sometimes gray. The unusual variety of microcline feldspar, which displays an attractive greenish blue color is called amazonite.
*Gem Focus & Market Pulse (Free Subscriber)The mineral collection of the Mineralogical and Geological Museum at Harvard University (MGMH) has played a significant role in the advancement of the science of mineralogy.
Featured ArticlesSo, when you hear jewelry sales are up 106% (Diamonds.net) from last March you have to understand that’s good but not as spectacular as you would think at a glance.
Diamond MarketAs summer approaches here in the United States, the colored stone trade continues to experience some degree of COVID-19 related disruption. Issues are occurring at varying degrees along the entire length of the supply chain.
Colored Stone MarketMuch of the pink diaspore rough seen to date has areas capable of cutting medium to large size stones that are eye clean and in many cases loupe clean
Gem NotesSometimes appraisers forget to work within boundaries to achieve success. Since we are related to the jewelry trade, gemologist-appraisers might want to think broadly inside the box.
News ArchiveUnheated and vividly colored purplish red cuprian tourmalines have gained a special niche and become more of a collector’s stone, while rubellite remains one of the favorite tourmalines in the market.
Market TrendsValue of pyrite is as diverse as its use. While pyrite crystal specimens or pyritized fossils from famous localities would fetch thousands of dollars, small faceted pieces or beads would be sold in bulk for a few dollars only. Naturally, any custom jewelry piece would be valued based on the design and the designer, not the pyrite itself.
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