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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 simply isn't 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-orange bands alternating with black bands, which adds an appealing contrast. The burnt yellow at the wide end is surprisingly translucent, and appears to have hints of sagenitic needles and subtle banding within. 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 and orange colors. Whatever it turns out to be, I think this new bumble bee 'jasper' has tremendous designer potential! The cab has a high rounded dome of 6mm, a designer 'flame' shape, and despite a tiny pinpoint void, it has a slick glossy polish both front and back.
Size: 43x21mm
Weight: approximately 39 carats
Price: SOLD See current gemstones for sale
 Bumble bee jasper
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