1.30 ct KORNERUPINE – SRI LANKA

Kornerupine Kornerupine is a gemstone for those who appreciate the subtle, "earthy" intelligence of rare silicates. I have always been fascinated by its complex personality; it is a magnesium aluminum borosilicate that presents in sophisticated shades of olive green, brownish-green, and occasionally a rare, "neon" blue or violet. When I hold a well-cut Kornerupine, I am struck by its intense pleochroism—the way it shifts from green to reddish-brown as you tilt it is nothing short of hypnotic. It is a dense, hard stone that takes a magnificent polish, giving it a vitreous snap that rivals more famous gemstones. For the collector, it represents the absolute peak of rare-gem aesthetics: a stone that is durable, brilliant, and possesses a color palette that feels like it was pulled directly from the heart of an ancient forest. The Heritage & Discovery Historical Significance: Kornerupine is a rare mineral typically found in high-pressure metamorphic environments like granulite-facies rocks. Historically, it was a mineralogical curiosity of the Arctic and the sub-continent, known only to those who studied the most complex "heavy" mineral suites. It represents a specific geological intersection where boron and silica meet under immense pressure. In the world of fine gems, it is celebrated for its unusual colors and its rarity; it is a "collector's classic" that bridges the gap between scientific mineralogy and high-end lapidary art, standing as a testament to the resilient beauty of the deep crust. Discovery: The mineral was first described in 1884 from specimens found in Greenland. It was named in honor of Andreas Nikolaus Kornerup (1857–1881), a brilliant Danish geologist and explorer of Greenland who died tragically young from an illness contracted during his expeditions. Naming this hardy, complex silicate after him was a tribute to his adventurous spirit and his dedication to mapping the geological secrets of the North. Important Mines: While it was discovered in Greenland, the most spectacular gem-quality material today comes from the gravels of Sri Lanka and the Itrongay region of Madagascar. I also have a high regard for the rare, vibrant green material from Tanzania and the legendary "Prismatine" variety from the Waldheim area in Germany. For the vault, I prioritize the Madagascan and Sri Lankan stones, as these localities consistently produce the transparency and rich pleochroic colors that allow for world-class faceting. Mineralogical Profile Description: Kornerupine is a magnesium aluminum borosilicate hydroxide that crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. It sits at a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable gem suitable for all types of jewelry. It is characterized by its vitreous luster and its remarkably wide color range, including green, brown, yellow, and blue. One of its most identifying traits is its strong pleochroism, which can show three distinct colors (trichroism) depending on the orientation: often green, yellow, and reddish-brown. It typically forms as elongated, prismatic crystals or as water-worn pebbles in alluvial deposits. It has a high refractive index ($n \approx 1.66$ to $1.69$), which provides excellent brilliance when faceted. Because it is a borosilicate, it is chemically stable and resistant to environmental changes. When I select a piece for the collection, I look for the "cat's eye" variety or the rare "vanadium-green" stones, as these represent the most extraordinary expressions of this complex mineral's potential. Chemical Formula: (Mg,Fe²⁺)₃(Al,Mg,Fe³⁺)₆(SiO₄,BO₄)₅(O,OH,F)₂