2.45 ct PASCOITE IN MATRIX – USA

Pascoite

Pascoite is a vibrant reminder that nature’s most intense colors often come from the most unexpected places. It is a rare vanadium mineral that presents in a striking, neon orange hue—a color so bright it almost looks artificial. As another micromineral that we have faceted in matrix, Pascoite posed a unique set of challenges. It is a hydrated salt, meaning it is sensitive to the environment and exceptionally soft. By keeping these minute, fiery crystals anchored in their host rock, we’ve managed to preserve their delicate structure while opening up faceted windows that catch the light like tiny sparks of orange electricity. It is a stone for the true specialist who understands that “gem” quality isn’t always about size, but about capturing a rare chemical moment.

The Heritage & Discovery

Historical Significance: Pascoite is a key secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of vanadium-uranium deposits. It tells a story of the transformation of ore by groundwater in the arid regions of the American West. Historically, it has been a prized specimen for those documenting the “vanadate” family of minerals. It represents the final, colorful stage of mineral alteration, where vanadium is leached from primary ores and recrystallizes into these fragile, brilliant crusts and prisms.

Discovery: The mineral was first described in 1914 and was named after its type locality in the Pasco Province of Peru. It was identified during early explorations of vanadium deposits, which were becoming increasingly important for the steel industry. Since its discovery, it has remained a relatively rare species, found only in a handful of locations worldwide where the specific chemistry of vanadium and calcium can meet.

Important Mines: While it was first found in Peru, the most iconic and well-crystallized specimens come from the Uravan Mineral Belt in Colorado and the Rifle district in Garfield County, USA. These uranium-vanadium mines are famous for producing the “orange crusts” that collectors seek. We specifically select matrix pieces from these historic American sites because the contrast between the dark host rock and the neon Pascoite crystals provides the best visual impact for our matrix-faceting technique.

Mineralogical Profile

Description: Pascoite is a hydrated calcium vanadium oxide that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It is extremely soft, sitting at a 2.5 on the Mohs scale, and is known for its vitreous to sub-adamantine luster. It is a “secondary” mineral, meaning it forms through the weathering of other vanadium minerals. Because it is a hydrated salt, it can be sensitive to changes in humidity, so a faceted specimen in matrix must be kept in a stable, dry environment to maintain its transparency and color. Its intense orange-to-reddish-orange color is a direct result of the vanadium (V⁵⁺) ions within its structure.

Chemical Formula: Ca₃V₁₀O₂₈·17H₂O