Name: Spodumene var. Hiddenite
Brand: The Arkenstone
Price: 26500 USD
Availability: InStock

Spodumene var. Hiddenite

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This is a truly important USA origin gem crystal specimen, of which very few exist of anything approaching this quality for combination of color saturation, termination quality, and robust size. It has a very balanced look to it as most of these are skinnier and more elongated, whereas this is balanced in its height by an unusually good width as it displays. It is complete all around and pristine as well. It is an outstanding small-miniature sized crystal of mint-green hiddenite, a rare and highly-prized variety of spodumene unique to North Carolina. Specifically, the chromophore for this variety's rich green color is trace amounts of chromium, and the unique green is colorfast and will not change as with some other forms of triphane/spodumene! The Adams Hiddenite and Emerald Mine is arguably the best locality, with green spodumene from other mines rarely approaching this quality. This lustrous, GEMMY, and pleasing green hiddenite can be considered a significant example of this variety. It is 18.25 carats and this pocket was collected in the 1970's by the legendary Terry Ledford (sadly, deceased due to an accident in this very mine). High quality hiddenites like this, of any size, are rarely available. He sold it to well-known gem and USA-gem collector Eric Fritz (originally from NC), who had a very significant and important suite of North Carolina gems and gem crystals. It has had only those two owners. We obtained it from Eric, and to me it was the pride of his important NC collection, which is now dispersed far and wide. This is one of those few instances of a USA origin gem species simply being not only the best of species, but unique in the world. They common high prices as both specimens and gems; and yet collectors tend to buy and hold these on generational times as they are simply impossible to replace.