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Description
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Bumble Bee jasper cab ~
Offered here is a striking cabochon of bumble bee jasper, recently imported from Indonesia. After slicing some of this extraordinary material in my slab saw, it doesn't seem hard enough to be either a jasper or an agate. Once polished, it has a somewhat waxy feel, a lot like onyx does. For sure, it cuts FANTASTIC cabs! In this example, the light blue-gray horizontal band shows some translucence, and the lacy yellow bands are opaque, seeming to show a hint of chatoyance. The brilliant yellows really catch the eye, in strong contrast to the black bands. The two colors blend in places, resulting in attractive greenish or ochre hues. I read on the importer's website that this material is harvested near the steaming calderas of Mount Papandayan, an active volcano, where locals collect native sulfur! So that seems to explain the vivid yellow colors. Whatever it turns out to be, I think this new bumble bee 'jasper' has great designer potential! The cab has a high rounded dome of 6mm, a crisp triangular shape, and a slick glossy polish both front and back.
Size: 43x27mm
Weight: approximately 39 carats
SOLD See current gemstones for sale here
 Bumble Bee jasper
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