Nambulite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
The color of Namibian nambulite is a striking orange-red, very intense, and not really like any other gem I have seen. Cut stones would be both extremely rare and quite magnificent, perhaps bearing some similarities to rhodonite.
Optics:a = 1.707; β=1.710; γ=1.730.
Biaxial (+), 2V= 30°.
Occurrence: Nambulite is a rare mineral reported in crystals up to 8 mm long at the Tunakozawa Mine, Northeast Japan. These crystals are found in veins cutting manganese oxide ores. Much larger crystals, up to approximately 3 cm across, have more recently been found in Namibia, at the Kombat Mine, near Tsumeb. I have seen a completely transparent crystal in a private collection that would yield about 20-25 carats of flawless faceted gems, the largest of these perhaps 10 carats in weight.
Comments: The color of Namibian nambulite is a striking orange-red, very intense, and not really like any other gem I have seen. Cut stones would be both extremely rare and quite magnificent, perhaps bearing some similarities to rhodonite.
Name: After Professor Matsuo Nambu of Tohoku University, Japan, for his studies of manganese minerals.
Related Articles
Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Latest Articles
Milarite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Appraising Pearls: How to Grade Pearls
Agate Buying Guide
Carving Techniques for Handling Inclusions in Transparent Gems
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
