|
|
|
Description
|
|
|
~
Bumble bee stone 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, 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 bands & tiny plumes that seem to have a hint of velvety chatoyance. The vivid colors really catch the eye, contrasting stongly with the charcoal black, slate, and light gray areas. There looks to be sagenitic needles in the pale yellow part, which is semi-translucent. 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 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 6mm, a crisp designer 'spear' shape, and a slick glossy polish both front and back.
Size: 46x18mm
Weight: approximately 44 carats
Price: SOLD Click for current gemstones for sale $44.00
 Bumble Bee stone
|
|
|
