This pile of stones is affectionately called "Tunduru Mix" because this is how they come when mined in the Tunduru area of Tanzania. They are literally all found together in the ancient river beds. It's possible to buy parcels exactly like you see in the photo: spinel, chrysoberyl, spessartine, zircon, etc., all mixed together. It is truly a grab bag of stones. ⁠⠀
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I usually buy my Tunduru mix already separated because with a little education, the miners have learned to identify stones to maximize their profits. However, to get through the export process in the most efficient way possible, I generally decide to mix all of them back together again and make a single large parcel. ⁠⠀
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It's a fun challenge to separate them again.⁠⠀