Pezzottaite (2003 type discovery) - image 1

Pezzottaite (2003 type discovery) - image 2

Pezzottaite (2003 type discovery)

$30,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,383 for sale·Member since 2026

A Beryl with shocking color, this is the newest collectible-level member of the Beryl Group of species to appear to us as collectors. A very sharp and rather thick crystal of this rare cesium member of the Beryl Group from Madagascar, originally thought to be a cesium-rich Morganite but later found to be a new species and named in honor of our friend and Madagascar expert, Dr. Federico Pezzotta. This came from the important best-of-species 2003 pocket, which was known for largest crystals and most saturated color; and many of them were, in fact, cut for gemstones and lapidary material even before or while these were being recognized as a new species (and lost to mineral collectors, by the cutting). It is a near perfect, complex hexagonal, almost pagoda-like crystal with a pyramidal modification on one end and flat on the bottom; and a full miniature. This large crystal has a very strong and saturated raspberry red-maroon color with a satin to vitreous in places. This is carving and cabochon grade, translucent but not transparent; and indeed so many of these crystals were cut for that reason. It has good luster compared to most Pezzottaite, but still less so than other Beryls (Aquamarine, Emerald, Heliodor, etc.), yet typical of the species. For whatever reason, Pezzottaite seldom gets more lustrous - and then, only in smaller crystals. This Pezzottaite crystal is outwardly translucent, however, backlighting shows it to have a higher level of transparency in zones within (again, the reason why so many of these were cut for gems). There is part of a Schorl (Tourmaline) crystal in one place. On close inspection there is a rind of very pale pink color around the periphery of the crystal for highlight and contrast to the core color. The piece is complete except for one point of attachment in back at the bottom. This is one of the finer miniature-sized examples of this rare gem species. After 2003, only a small amount of Pezzottaite trickled out and nothing beyond a few small pockets of pale crystals has been found here in over 20 years as we write this in 2026. Ex. Paul Stahl collection - 28966, and obtained from Laurent Thomas when they came out.