Spectacular lot of Afghan Tourmaline running from a lovely Paraiba Blue to a Deep Sapphire Blue. This is some of the best Blue colored material we have seen coming from Afghanistan in a very long time as far as Blues are considered; however, much of it has a dark to closed C axis. This material is from a relatively new find and we had originally thought this was Paraiba Type Tourmaline. GIA currently has several samples and is still testing the material though we have received an initial analysis that did not confirm this as being Paraiba Type Tourmaline. Overall this material is an awesome Windex Blue though since much of it is dark you will have to get creative with faceting designs. The intensity of the Blue color on these is very unusual and everyone who initially reviewed the material thought it was Sapphire. This is a rarity to find in this color from Afghanistan and we were lucky to have this lot come by us at a reasonable price. We are confident with a little hard work and some planning you will get some spectacular finished stones from the Lot. Our discounted price reflects the dark nature of the material and the fact that a few of the stones are on the thin side and oddly shaped.

Overall 75% of this material looks like it is capable of cutting Eye-clean or better with a little hard work and this is a BARGAIN for the right person.  This is one of the best lots we currently have up for the price and is likely to go quick so don't pass this by!

1. Afghan Tourmaline pockets tend to be relatively small in size and as a result consistency in color & quality is a rarity! We have never seen Afghan Tourmaline sold by the kilo with like colored and quality material and lots are generally small in size seldom going over 1/2-1 kilo.

2. All Afghan Tourmaline is exhumed from primary deposits and as a result mining costs are considerably higher due to dynamite expenditures and traveling expenditures to get to remote mining areas. It is also interesting to note that since all Afghan Tourmaline is from primary deposits most rough will usually have sharp crystal faces.