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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! This example has wild scalloped banding, as well as some neat tubes, orbs and bullseyes, in bright yellow-orange alternating with black. The brilliant hues really catch and hold the eye, in strong contrast to the black bands. The two colors blend in places, resulting in attractive greenish shades, some of which include a hint of chatoyance. Much of the stone is translucent, even moreso than the backlit photo illustrates, adding an attractive dimension of depth. 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 stone has great designer potential! The cab has a high rounded dome of 6mm, a versatile designer shape, and a slick glossy polish both front and back.
Size: 33x27mm
Weight: approximately 62 carats
Price: SOLD See current gemstones for sale
 Bumble bee jasper
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