Antique 19th Century Genuine Natural One Quarter Carat Hand Crafted Siberian Emerald Green Apatite Semi-Precious Gemstone.

CLASSIFICATION: Handcrafted Russian Apatite.

ORIGIN: 19th century Kola Peninsula, Siberia, Russia.

SIZE: "Diameter": 4mm. Thickness: 2mm. Measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 0.22 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstone as a ring, earring, or pendant.

DETAIL: A very uncommon, good quality vividly hued, emerald green apatite semi-precious gemstone from the Koa Peninsula of Siberia. This particular gemstone was hand crafted by a 19th century Russian artisan, part of an heritage renown for the production of the elaborate gemstones and jewelry of the Czars of Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian Russia. The faceted cut is a coarse precursor to what eventually became known in the industry as a "trillion cut", a three sided shape resembling a pyramid with rounded corners. The trillion cut is very popular contemporarily with ruby, but also sapphire, aquamarine, topaz, amethyst, and peridot. Produced for indigenous jewelry in the nineteenth century, apatite gemstones of this size and quality are exceptional. Apatite is usually found just as small disseminated grains no larger than sand particles. Large well formed crystals whether cats eye or otherwise are rare, though enormous deposits are in the Kola Peninsula, (Siberia) Russia (see here).

Apatite is a frequently clear gem that also comes in many colors, including green, yellow, blue, violet, and yellow-green. The name apatite comes from the Greek word "apate" that means, "to deceive", as it has frequently been confused throughout history with other valuable gems such as tourmaline, peridot and beryl. This particular specimen is exceptionally nice. There are of course rutile (hair like) inclusions, but theses are very common to apatite. Apatite is value for its color, and while the better grade gemstones are transparent, as is this gemstone, they nonetheless typically possess rutile inclusions. In fact these rutile inclusions are what produces the rather pronounced "cat's eye" effect in apatite catseye, another very collectible gemstone from the same mines in the Koa Peninsula. These particular specimen is of exceptionally good quality and is absolutely, stunningly beautiful.

This gemstone has great luster and sparkle, and to the eye is transparent and absolutely eye clean. However the gemstone is not absolutely flawless, as in these 500% photo enlargements you will see (as is common to the gemstone) some minute blemishes composed of colorless crystalline material. True, to the eye the gemstone is without discernible blemish. However magnified 500% as it is here, you can see these minute blemishes within the gemstone and as well, occasional irregularities in the finish. But these characteristics are not only expected of hand-finished gemstones, you must also consider that two centuries ago the mining techniques even possible then, let alone in practice, did not allow the ultra deep mining operations which are so commonplace today.

Two centuries ago mankind was more or less limited to surface deposits or near surface deposits of gemstones. Higher quality gemstones which today are routinely mined from beneath hundreds of meters, even kilometers beneath the earth's surface, were simply inaccessible then. This is why antique gemstones must be appreciated as antiques first, gemstones second. The relatively superlative quality of contemporary gemstones routinely mined from deep beneath the earth's surface today were simply not accessible two centuries ago, or at least, only rarely so. However for most, the unique nature and character of antique gemstones such as this more than makes up for included imperfections which by and large, are only visible under magnification.

HISTORY: Apatite is found in a variety of locations worldwide which includes Russia, Canada, Mexico, Spain and Africa. The most valuable form is a purple-colored variety found in the state of Maine, USA. Apatite is the mineral that makes up the teeth in all vertebrate animals as well as their bones. No other mineral is so personally involved in man as is apatite. Virtually all the phosphorus in the world today has either come from or is locked up in this one mineral--apatite or what is called phosphate rock. It is quarried for use as a phosphate fertilizer. Most of our teeth and most of our bones are apatite or an apatite-like mineral, and is an elemental component of every living cell, plant and animal. In the ancient and medieval world apatite was believed to enhance one's insight, learning abilities and creativity, and to give increased self-confidence. It was also believed useful in inducing deep states of meditation. Athletes and soldiers believed it useful in helping improve their coordination and to strengthen muscles, and to help suppress hunger and ease hypertension.

SHIPPING OPTIONS: All purchases are backed by an unlimited guarantee of satisfaction and authenticity. If for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a complete and immediate refund of your entire purchase price. Most of these antique gemstones were originally part of two collections, one originating in India principally composed of gemstones originally mined in India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, and then hand faceted in India. The addition of a second accumulation of antique gemstones originally mined in the Urals in the mid to late 19th century (including alexandrite) completed the collection. These gemstones as well were hand finished. The Urals have been one of the world's major sources of precious and semi-precious gemstones for many centuries. As well, additional specimens are occasionally acquired from other institutions and dealers in Eastern Europe and Asia. These antique gemstones are now in the United States and are available for immediate delivery.

We ship inventory from the USA order fulfillment center near Seattle, Washington. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipping within 48 hours of payment. A certificate of authenticity is available upon request. We prefer your personal check or money order over any other form of payment - and we will ship immediately upon receipt of your check (no "holds"). We will accept PayPal payments. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE".