Prasiolite is a green variety of quartz. The one pictured here is 6.09 carats and is 11.5 mm across. The pavilion of the stone has been cut with concave facets in addition to traditional flat facets. An inclusion in the rough material forced a change in the plan for how the crown was to be cut — and the result was an accidental winner.
During the weekend of the Orcutt show, I got a start on a batch of amethysts and citrines from the faceting demonstration. Of course, that meant that last week, I had that batch to finish up.
Shown here is the first one started at the show. It is a 2.86 carat amethyst which is 9.0 mm. in diameter. This one also got a little extra in the way of concave facets on the pavilion after the show since only the flat facet equipment was used for the demonstration.
Just posted another batch of recently faceted gems on the website. This time it is a mix of shapes, sizes, colors and materials.
Pictured here is a 4.52 carat ametrine with concave facets on the pavilion to really set off the purple and gold color combination.
Two other ametrines included in this batch finish up the parcel obtained from New Era Gems (Steve Ulatowski) last fall. However, more fun shortly with those picked up while in Tuscon in February.
Ametrine pictured here is 6.15 cts. and measures 14.5 x 9.0 mm.
Several concave facets were placed on the pavilion side causing it to light up very nicely. The even division of purple and gold in these stones is very eye catching. I have a few more of these yet to cut in the parcel from New Era Gems ( Steve Ulatowski and Robert Ulatowski )
The Santa Lucia Rockhounds will be having its annual show at the Paso Robles Event Center from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, April 21 and 10am to 4pm Sunday, April 22. As part of the show, the San Luis Obispo Gem and Mineral Club will have a booth and will be bringing the club’s faceting machine so we can show how gemstones are faceted. There will also be wirewrapping demonstrations on Saturday and club members will have some of their collections and crafts on display. Of course there will be many vendors with items for sale and other demonstrations by the Santa Lucia club members. Come by if you are in the neighborhood.
Another amethyst pictured here. This one is an 8.33 cts, 12.6 mm. octagon with concave facets on the pavilion side. I had planned to work on some other materials, but decided that this parcel was better for re-training my hands for faceting as my wrist heals.
