I had forgotten how the difference in colors between the tourmaline C-axis with the other directions and the frequent bicolor or tricolor often created surprises in the appearance of the finished stones.
In this case, the rough showed a nice purple pink — except for the C-axis which was a lighter pink with a hint of gray brown. I intended to cut the gem as a square brilliant, not as a step cut with “tourmaline” angles for the C-axis direction. Thus I was prepared to see the face-up finished stone potentially a less desirable color the the purple pink of the rough.
However, this tourmaline gave me a nice surprise. It has orange highlights making a very pleasant combination. It reminds me of the colors of the sky that a sunrise can display on the clouds. The finished stone is 4.95 cts., and 9.8mm. across with concave facets on pavilion.
