Spectacular lot of Chrome? Tourmaline from Tanzania. This material was sent to us as a sample of Chrome Tourmaline coming from Tanzania; however, we haven't tested it and therefore are NOT guaranteeing it is Chromium Bearing. This material is a bit distinct from Tourmaline we have normally seen coming from Tanzania and some of the material does look like it is "Chrome" Tourmaline; however, I left my Chelsea filter in Pakistan on our Buying trip to South Asia with my Partner and it will be a little time before I can run into the city to pick up another. The lot was given to us at a fairly discounted price and therefore we don't know whether to believe this is Chrome Tourmaline or not. The material overall does have a pleasing Green color and looks to have a more Chrome Green down one axis and a more Yellowish or Olive Green down another axis. The stones don't really show crystal faces and there are a few that are clearly water worn.

The lot is running roughly 90%+ High Grade Facet Rough and we are confident that most stones will yield Eye-clean or better finished Gems. Practically every stone in the lot is a nice and chunky crystal section and/or nodule capable of giving above average yield. This is a perfect lot for cutting and/or resale!

1. Tanzania has become a heavy hitter in the world of Gemstone rough in the last few decades and is producing more and more rough as the days go buy. Sunset Tourmaline is just one of the new finds that is coming from Tanzania and also Kenya and the material is quite unlike any other Green and/or Orange Tourmaline available in the market. Tanzanian Sunset Tourmaline is characterized by a strong dichroism where the AB and C axis have a combination of colors running from a Golden Orange to a Golden Yellow and/or Grassy Green. Many stones produce very unusual finished gems due to this dichroism and are highly sought after by collectors.