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Description
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Bumble Bee jasper cab ~
Offered here is a striking cabochon of bumble bee stone, 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! This example has brilliant yellow ribbons, and some banding that seems to have a hint of velvety chatoyance. The vivid colors really catch the eye, contrasting stongly with the black and cream bands. Interesting greenish shades where the two colors blend. 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 explains the brilliant 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 5.5mm, a crisp designer 'chevron' shape, and despite a few tiny pinpoint natural voids, it has a slick glossy polish both front and back.
Size: 60x22mm
Weight: approximately 55 carats
Price: SOLD Click for current gemstones for sale
 Bumble Bee stone
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