covellite questions (pink fire quartz)

[beaujolais]

covellite questions (pink fire quartz)

Is it good to have smoky areas or not? What causes the smoky areas. I've been looking for one for awhile, but have yet to be successful. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[chrono]

Sonoma,
The origin of this material is suspect so I don't know what else to say.

 

[beaujolais]

Thanks, Chrono. By that, do you mean possibly synthetic?

I think Gem Trader has carried some in the past. I believe Lady Disdain has said she likes Covellite.

Hmmmm, further research needed . . .

Thanks for the warning; I didn't know.

 

[1001smiles]

Hello Sonoma. I got my covellite from ebay vendor "crystalliser" and was happy with it. He has lots of quartz inclusions.
I think natural quartz with covellite inclusions could have smokey areas, and it's not good or bad, just interesting. I don't think smokey quartz areas would raise suspicion. Just my two cents...

 

[chrono]

It seems that no one has seen the rough, only finished form....reminiscent of the andesine scam, isn't it? Not synthetic, possibly tampered with by humans.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

The difference is that the covalite quartz find was pretty small and localized, while andasine was flooding the market. It is possible that the finders are controlling the supply and only selling a limited amount of finished material (as happens with some other rare minerals). I've heard from several people that AGTA had tested some and found it natural.

I had a gemologist take a look at one of my stones and the quartz contains other inclusions that are commonly found in natural quartz, instead of the characteristic breadcrumb inclusions of the synthetic stuff. Does that mean that all cabs are natural? No. In fact, I have come across several pieces set in really cheap silver rings, which makes me wonder.

Ok, now I want to send my stones to GIA for testing, just to settle this. I have 3, 2 from Brad and a third from a different vendor.

I prefer the quartz to be as clear as possible, so the covalite stands out but I would not pass on a good looking piece because of a few other inclusions.

 

[chrono]

Lady D,
I know what you mean; I'm just very cautious at heart. For the longest time, even many major labs were fooled by andesine. I've also heard speculation about control of the material from the mines. I just don't know. At least it isn't terribly expensive and it does look very pretty when the quartz is clear so that the pink stands out.

 

[beaujolais]

It seems that no one has seen the rough

Oh, that's true.

Well, I don't mind a nice "tampered with" as long as I realize it is probably such and the price was appropriate. Lady D. (or any of you also very knowledgeable folk) - when they have smoky portions do you know what that is from?

thanks so much,
sonoma

 

[AprilBaby]

Do you have a picture?