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Description
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Bumble bee jasper cab ~
Offered here is a large, striking cabochon of bumble bee stone, recently imported from Indonesia. After slicing some of this extraordinary material in my slab saw, I realized 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 some gorgeous banding swirling around a bisected tube in brilliant yellow to yellow-orange bands. In some areas the yellow bands alternate with black bands, adding an appealing contrast. Most of the stone is surprisingly translucent; only the white area at the tip is not. This material is harvested near the steaming calderas of Mount Papandayan, an active volcano, where locals collect native sulfur, accounting for the vivid yellow and yellow-orange colors. I think this new bumble bee 'jasper' has tremendous designer potential, and I'm sure you'll agree. The cab has a high rounded dome of 6mm, a plump designer 'flame' shape, and a slick glossy polish both front and back.
Size: 42x27mm
Weight: approximately 50 carats
Price: SOLD See current gemstones for sale
 Bumble bee jasper
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