Ring with chrysocolla chalcedony
Regular price
$168.00
Sale
Ring adjustable in gold filled 14k over sterling silver with flower design on a side suitable for 7 or 8 size finger. I have placed a big and beautiful light green in chrysocolla chalcedony, a rare stone from Indonesia. A very special ring for a very special person!
Natural green chalcedony from Indonesia is generally considered rare, particularly in specific varieties and qualities. However, it is a well-known and actively sought-after material in the gem and mineral market.
šŗļø Sources of Indonesian Green Chalcedony
Green chalcedony from Indonesia is primarily associated with two main types of deposits, each producing a distinct form of the mineral:
Ā· "Grape Agate" (Botryoidal Chalcedony) from Sulawesi: Discovered around 2016, this material is known for its clusters of spherical, grape-like formations. While it is famous for its purple color, green specimens exist and are considered extremely rare and highly collectible, with reports indicating the initial find is nearly exhausted .
Ā· Chrysocolla Chalcedony (Gem Silica): This is a blue to green variety colored by copper minerals like chrysocolla. It is found in several locations, including Obi Island, and is valued for its vibrant, even color and translucency. High-quality material is rare and commands high prices globally .
š¬ Why Is It Green?
The green color in Indonesian chalcedony comes from different mineral inclusions:
Ā· Copper Minerals: The vibrant blue-green "gem silica" variety owes its color to microscopic inclusions of chrysocolla (a copper mineral) .
Ā· Iron-Bearing Minerals: Some green chalcedony, including green "grape agate," gets its color from inclusions of iron-rich minerals like chlorite .
š Rarity and Value
Several factors contribute to the rarity and value of Indonesian green chalcedony:
Ā· Exhaustion of Sources: The "grape agate" deposits in Sulawesi that produced green material are reported to be "almost completely exhausted" just a few years after their discovery .
Ā· High Demand: Chrysocolla chalcedony (gem silica) is one of the most valuable varieties of chalcedony, and fine material from Indonesia is highly sought after in markets like China .
Ā· Quality: The rarity increases exponentially with the quality of the specimen. Pristine pieces with intense green color, good luster, and unique formations are exceptionally rare and represent the top fraction of a percent of all finds .
In summary, while Indonesia is a notable source of green chalcedony, the finest specimens, especially of the green "grape agate" and high-quality "gem silica" varieties, are rare and valuable.
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