Introduction:
When it comes to gemstones, sapphires are hailed for their captivating beauty and remarkable durability. While the world is familiar with popular sapphire sources like Kashmir, Ceylon, and Montana, there's another enchanting origin that deserves recognition—Umba, Tanzania. Umba sapphires, sourced from the Umba River Valley, possess a distinct charm, owing to their remarkable color range and fascinating inclusions. In this blog, we will delve into the world of Umba sapphires and explore the various types of inclusions that add character to these remarkable gemstones.
The Enchanting Umba Sapphires:
Umba sapphires are renowned for their rich and vibrant colors that span a wide spectrum. They exhibit hues ranging from intense blues, royal purples, vibrant pinks, warm oranges, and even rare padparadscha shades—a delicate blend of pink and orange. What makes Umba sapphires truly unique is their natural inclusions, which are considered part of their distinct allure.
Types of Inclusions in Umba Sapphires:
1. Rutile Needles:
One of the most common inclusions found in Umba sapphires is rutile needles. These needle-like inclusions are often referred to as "silk" due to their delicate appearance. The rutile needles can occur in various colors, including gold, black, or silver, and create an intriguing effect known as "asterism." When properly oriented, these inclusions can give rise to a star-like pattern on the surface of the gemstone, adding an ethereal touch to the sapphire's beauty.
2. Zoning:
Zoning refers to the presence of color variations within the gemstone. Umba sapphires often exhibit distinct bands or patches of color due to the uneven distribution of trace elements during their formation. These zoning patterns can range from subtle to pronounced, adding visual interest and uniqueness to each stone.
3. Color Zoning:
Similar to zoning, color zoning refers specifically to variations in color intensity within a single Umba sapphire. This phenomenon can manifest as distinct bands or patches of different hues within the gemstone. The interplay of colors within a single stone can create a mesmerizing effect, making each Umba sapphire a one-of-a-kind treasure.
4. Crystals and Mineral Inclusions:
Umba sapphires can also feature various crystal and mineral inclusions. These can include other gem minerals such as spinel or garnet, as well as tiny crystals of other minerals. While these inclusions may affect the gemstone's transparency to some extent, they can also create unique and captivating patterns that add character and personality to the gem.
5. Fingerprints and Growth Patterns:
Another intriguing inclusion that can be found in Umba sapphires is referred to as "fingerprints" or "growth patterns." These are thin, curving lines or wavy formations that resemble the ridges found on human fingerprints. These inclusions are considered a result of the natural growth process of the sapphire crystal and are highly valued by collectors and gem enthusiasts.
Appreciating the Unique Beauty:
It's important to note that while inclusions are often regarded as flaws in gemstones, in the case of Umba sapphires, they are cherished for their distinctiveness. These natural imperfections tell a story of the gemstone's formation and make each sapphire truly one-of-a-kind. The inclusions in Umba sapphires contribute to their individuality and add depth and character to their overall appearance.
We sometimes get asked how we manage to have such a variety of gems. It seems like a good time to take a moment to celebrate our buyers. Due to the competition for sources and good stones, they work in the shadows. They travel thousands of miles each year to some of the most inhospitable environments on earth, sleep in less than luxurious hotels, sometimes get food poisoning and deal with vehicle breakdowns when help is far away. They also work under the stress of keeping themselves and the capital (or stones) safe and secure. And if that wasn’t enough, they also must manage the paperwork and export of stones in a myriad of countries where each has their own rules and regulations that must be adhered to. I know how much you all appreciate the stones we offer, so I want to take a moment to recognize the unsung heroes of Joe Henley Rough and Gemstones.
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The methodology for using the white paper test ranges from simply putting the rough on white paper, to looking at the rough on white paper in different types of light (natural, warm, and cool), to putting the rough on white paper and walking around both indoors and out or putting the rough on white paper with the sun at a 45-degree angle. Over the years, I have used all these methods and have found them quite helpful when evaluating rough.
But for the reader, who is likely both reading this article online and buying their rough online, is it just as simple as having a dealer place a piece of rough on white paper and deciding from that alone the color and saturation of the finished gem? Unfortunately, it isn’t.
While helpful, the WPT does have limitations. Some rough, particularly some species of garnets and tourmalines, can have thick skins that mask a more open color. Another shortcoming of the WPT is that it often conceals zoning in a stone. Yet another is how easily the test can be deceiving for rough being shown online.
One consideration when looking at an image of a stone on white paper taken outdoors is the photo’s geographical location. I am always amazed at the difference in color and saturation of a stone photographed near the equator, i.e., East Africa, as compared to how it looks in-hand in North America. Near the equator, the sun is overhead and it’s intense. A stone that is on the border of being too dark in an image taken in East Africa will almost certainly be too dark in hand.
Another thing to watch for is when the stone is underneath a bright light source, like a lamp.
At the right angle, the light from the lamp can ‘bounce’ off the white background, making the stone appear more open.
Also be aware of stones photographed on windowsills.
There is something about the way that a windowpane concentrates the sun’s rays that results in a dark stone appearing lighter.
Speaking of concentration, I would not have any confidence looking at an image or video that had the stone(s) on a metallic or reflective surface.
In this scenario, the reflective surface is used to bounce light through the stone, masking an otherwise dark stone.
To help illustrate these points, here is the stone I manipulated with different light sources for this article.
I’m the first to say that a dealer has the right to show their stones in the best possible ‘light’. This is the driving force behind why we use clear plastic baggies to show our rough with transmitted light. But I also think it’s critically important to show the vast majority of rough stones on white paper, at least for a few seconds in a video or with a still image.
The gem trade is ancient and full of tricks and traps to be aware of. I hope this brief article is helpful in avoiding some of the more common ones.
Here are a few images I captured on social media of someone using many of the tricks I mention above
Using a metallic reflective surface
Using a cell phone light (common in the developing world) Notice how dark the stones are on the left when not directly over the light source.
This image is almost comical for accessing the color of a stone. That’s one bright light source!
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Joe
In the background, on the hill top, is Tanzanite One. The largest Tanzanite mine and the largest mine in Tanzania. Employing up to 300 miners and occupying all of Block C. |
A video I made exploring a Tanzanite mine. This mine 0.5 miles deep! |
My host and director of the mine I toured, Issaiya. Good guy! |
This is an old style tanzanite mine. It goes directly straight down into the earth. This one is 2 kilometers (about a mile) deep and then branches off into 5 tunnels at the bottom. I was told that many kilos of tanzanite was pulled from this shaft. The mine I went down had any production for 2 years. Think about that. They have been digging for 2 years without any production. |
This is an abandoned tanzanite mine shaft. |
This is the head miner for the mine I went down. |
Miners clothes drying on the fence. Because of the extreme depth of the tanzanite mines, water seepage is a big problem. |
Miners accommodations. |
One of the explosives used in the mining process. 15 to 30 holes at a time are drilled into the rock and each hole receives one of these explosive charges. |
The guys at the mine wanted to demonstrate the explosives they use. I thought I'd make a quick video of it. |
I toured the house where the "leaders" of the mine stayed. This particular mine had approximately 100 miners. However, only a few got to stay in these 'luxury' conditions. |
The bedroom of the director of the mine. When he's onsite he gets the bed (and fan) on the left. |
This is the kitchen where the leaders have their meals cooked. They have their own cook. |
The leaders also get to enjoy TV. |
This is the "kitchen" for the vast majority of the people working at the mine. The hut actually has 3 of these pits. This one has something cooking in it. |
A pot of beans a group of miners were cooking. |
Miner sitting outside his hut. |
This is the security for the mine. Notice the signage above the door. Enough said! |
Me and my crew stopped for some BBQ after a long and strenuous day. |
Thanks for making this possible! My goal is to tell the story of where our gems come from and the people who mine them. |
For those thinking that doesn’t seem like much, $165 translates to roughly 300,000 Kyat (local currency) and that amount bought 25 bags of rice that weigh 12 kilos each. That’s 300 kilos or 660 pounds of rice!
While I had requested the donation be given to miners and their families, this donation went to a local orphanage.
While this was the smallest donation we have made to-date, it was the most difficult. The people of Myanmar are under tremendous stress from the local authorities. Checkpoints and roadblocks are scattered around Mogok, and the locals are continuously stopped, questioned and searched - including cell phones - for anything the government considers ‘inappropriate.’
Something as simple as a donation coming from the US can be viewed negatively and cause a lot of problems for the local who was facilitating it. For this reason, we proceed very cautiously in Myanmar.
We still have the $2000 from the fundraiser we did last September. Each time we have tried to send the money, we have been told to wait - that now is not a good time. Updates will be provided as we receive new information. The $165 we just sent was small enough that our contacts felt comfortable working with it; larger amounts are just too problematic. Now that we were able to successfully get the $165 to them, it might well be the case that we can make several smaller donations to get the $2000 in their hands. We will explore this possibility and post updates.
Thank you for reading, The Team at Joe Henley Rough & Gemstones
Given the backdrop of military rule, suppression, and persecution of the people, we still decide to source gems and rough from Myanmar - how could we not…… Look for part 2 of our blog on doing business in Mogok, Myanmar (Burma) soon.
It’s been 8 years since I sold my first piece of rough and 6 years since Joe Henley Rough & Gemstones was officially launched. I remember vividly the afternoon 8 years ago when I was laying bored on the couch and the thought occurred to post a piece of rough on eBay - something I had never done. Having collected rough for most of my adult life, I had a large collection to choose from. I chose a red tourmaline from DRC (very old stock) and can still feel the rush when the piece sold within minutes of posting it - in many respects, the business was started that day.
Flash forward 8 years and what a journey it has been. My time on eBay was short lived because I soon discovered Facebook could be used for selling stones. For the first few years, I sold exclusively on Facebook and built a substantial following posting stones and videos of buying trips around the world. It was a powerful model on which the foundation of the business was built.
During our 8 years, we have built an extensive website of rough and gemstones, and it continues to grow each week. We started selling on Instagram about 4 years ago, and while the beginning was slow, Instagram has replaced Facebook as our preferred social media outlet- so, heads up to anyone looking for our social media posts! Our auction house is coming up on its 1-year anniversary and that has been a success almost since the first auction. I believed if we posted quality material for auction, the people would come, and they certainly have!
We are now 6 people strong at Joe Henley Rough & Gemstones - and the future looks as bright as ever. My role has changed almost completely during these last 8 years. I used to be right up front with selling but as each member of our team has found their niche, more and more of my job is now focused on inventory management and the story of our gems: where they come from and the people that mine them. That story is being told in blog posts and interspersed throughout the website and on social media. My goal is to take our customers along each step of the journey. My hands are still on every stone that passes through and I’m making every buying decision – something that will never change. The biggest challenge, and any business owner will understand this, is how to be totally present in the day-to-day operations while also keeping eyes wide open for what’s coming next.
And as anyone who follows us can attest, we love coming up with new ways to sell stones around here!
I’ll be spending the day grading these Mahenge Garnets that were tucked away in a forgotten tub. Look for them to be on the website in a couple of weeks.
To each of you who have played a role in our success,]]>
a heartfelt thank you from the team at Joe Henley Rough & Gemstones
A Maasai woman standing in the hole she has dug in search of gems. Notice in the background a collection of structures. We'll be moving in that direction. |
Here is the first photo of the massive gem washing plant. It was built sometime in the 1960's by a mining magnate of Greek descent named George Populous. He operated here until he was kicked out of the country in 1979 by Tanzania's first president for reportedly saying "This government is too deep in my pocket." In the foreground is the mining camp's manager and in the background a few miners wondering what I'm doing there |
The next few images are different sections of the massive gem washing plant. It was too large to capture in a single frame. Notice at the top of the photo the water cannon (at one time there were two of these cannons) This is where the gem gravel would have first entered the wash plant. The water was pumped from the Umba River. I'll be showing how that was done. |
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Standing at the top of the plant. Tractors would have first dumped the gem bearing gravels here. The water cannons would be used to remove much of the loose soil. |
Up close of a water cannon |
I believe this is called a trammel. It is where the large rocks would have been separated from the smaller gem bearing gravel, which would have fallen through the openings. |
The camp manager lifting these massive screens to show me where the gems would have fallen in the sorting process. The gems were captured underneath, and hauled away to be sorted in a dedicated building. I'll be showing this process. |
This is standing at the end of the wash plant. This is the area where the tailings would have been.
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What follows are a few photos of the wash plant. |
I opted not to use these stairs. |
The home of George Populous. It looks out over the wash plant. |
The sorting room. Notice the slats on the table top. In the Umba Valley, different gems are found together. Sapphires, ruby's, garnets, zircons, etc. would have been deposited down their respective slat. |
Photo's of recent production. However, this is just a fraction of what once was happening here. Nowadays it is extremely small scale mining using hand tools digging shallow holes. I'll be showing the enormity of the mines that supported the washing plant in the photos ahead. |
Sapphires from the dig site. |
Tourmaline from the dig site. |
Miners hanging out, digging in the dirt. |
A short video showing Maasai women washing gem gravel in the Umba River. There are crocodiles in this river. They haul the gravel down and wash it in the river. At the end of the video you can see George's house through the trees. |
The hole that George built. This is called "Hyena Head Mine" because the size of the gems they use to pull from here where said to be, well, the size of of a hyena's head. It's massive but used to be even larger. This, along with the other mine I'll be showing were largely filled in when George received word he was going to be kicked out of Tanzania. That is a full sized tree growing from the bottom. |
How deep is this hole? Watch and listen for the rock to hit the bottom. |
I'm convinced every bush in Africa has thorns to one extinct or another. This one is no exception. I kept getting tangled in these particular bushes until I finally asked what they were called. My partner replied, we call this bush "wait a moment" because when it gets ahold of you, you must wait a moment before you can move again. HAHA! |
Close up of "Wait a moment" |
Driving to another mine, another hole that George built. Apparently he had 80 mines in this area of the Umba Valley! Contrast the small mounds of dirt of todays mining verses what use to be done here. It's mind boggling. |
This is Hatch Mine. Like Hyena mine, an assortment of gems occurred together. |
Another view of Hatch Mine. |
How deep is Hatch Mine? Watch and listen for the rock to hit bottom. |
This very narrow and deep slit in the earth is a fairly recent mine. It was a ruby mine started by 2 partners who sponsored miners to work it. The story told to me was that while one of the partners was out of town, they hit a pocket of ruby that produced 2 kilos of gem material. Both the partner who was on the ground here and the Thai dealer he sold them to disappeared into the night. This mine is no longer being worked. |
I can't imagine having the nerve to go down into this hole on a daily basis. |
50 miles from nowhere. Thanks for reading! |
Almost all our gems come from artisan miners - guys and gals with a shovel, screen, bucket and dream. On occasion, we source from mines where there is one person who owns the mine and the miners have some agreement (unbeknownst to me) of how profits will be split. So, in a sense, we’re artisanal rough dealers. We’re usually buying our stones directly at the source and many times know the miner or broker and their families. While I’m aware of large-scale mining operations, Mozambique ruby comes to mind, we simply aren’t a large enough company to be buying at those scales. Those transactions can be in the millions of dollars and they are usually sold to overseas cutting factories for commercially cut stones and jewelry.
Prices paid are never in a vacuum - the market decides prices paid and there are always multiple buyers and multiple markets available to the miners to sell their finds. I say “miners,” but in truth, there is usually an industrious village middleman who the miners use to sell their stones.
The mines I have visited around the world range from shallow holes in the ground to miles deep tunnels. I would say hardly any of them would pass an OSHA mining inspection – and a few are dangerous places. Miners work without proper footwear, eye protection or even gloves. And yet they are happy for the work because all too often it is their best chance to feed, clothe and educate themselves and their families.
I often see folks who market their gems as "ethical" when I know they are getting their goods from the same locations and often the same people that we get some of ours from. Are they ethically sourced? Is that even the right question? In the West, we might define an ethically run mine as one with "safe working conditions, proper protection for workers, sick leave, medical care, etc" But the brutal truth is those are terms that are seldom used in the areas of the world where gems are sourced and are sadly not part of most miners’ lexicon. Do we refuse to do business with them until they pass the western standards of ‘ethics?’ And let’s not forget to mention the known fact of corrupt governments’ collecting export fees. How do we, as a company, square these things?
Our solution to this question is to be an ethical company. Our history of supporting miners and giving back has been well documented on social media and website blog posts. It is standard practice for us to support our suppliers through both good and hard times. I just recently paid school fees for a supplier because he did not have the funds when the government announced unexpectedly that schools were opening again and children were required to be there. We supported a supplier when his child died and he could not work during the grieving process. We have held weeklong auctions to raise money for the survivors of the 2020 jade mining disaster in Myanmar. Covid restrictions have obviously had a devastating effect on many of the suppliers and miners we work with. We want to be certain they are okay and will be there as things open back up and gems begin to flow again. It is a very symbiotic relationship. Using Covid as an example, when the pandemic hit, we experienced a huge groundswell in sales from our customers who wanted to support us. For that we will be eternally grateful.
These are just a few of the things that happen in the background and help to shape how we define ethical gems. I believe firmly that we meet people and cultures where we find them. I don't think it is our role to make them more like us but rather to treat them with dignity and respect as we work to make all of our lives better.
I’ve been thinking a lot the last few weeks about writing a blog post which explains the process and terms we use to describe our stones. No better time than now so here goes.
It seems there are as many ways to describe a stone’s clarity as there are types of stones! So, I’d like to start out by briefly mentioning some of the ways I’ve seen rough graded and explain why I don’t use those terms or methods. Sometimes it’s due to personal preference, while other times, I feel it’s a misuse of terms.
“Loupe Clean” Hardly any rough can or should be described as loupe clean. Why? Rough comes with a plethora of textures ranging from thick skins to crinkly skins to sandblasted texture to smooth or glassy - and that is naming just a few. Rough also comes with endless surface anomalies: divots, crevices, creases, peaks, sharp edges, ad infinitum. While a piece of rough can obviously be loupe clean, all of the above means that unless a window has been polished,
it’s near impossible to get a good enough ‘look’ to make that diagnosis.
Speaking of loupes, I don’t use them for grading rough. This is a personal preference. The rough surface conditions mentioned above work to limit my vision when using a loupe. Focused, intense light and my ability to manipulate the stone within the light source is the method that works best for me. Loupes are best used for faceted gemstones.
“GIA clarity grades, VVS, VS, etc.” I do not use these terms to describe rough. They were developed to describe faceted gemstones and frankly I don’t feel applying them to rough is appropriate or even possible. Until rough has been faceted, or at least had a window polished, it just isn’t possible to make such a granular observation.
So, what is my process for grading rough? I usually use an Opti-visor with a 5x magnification lens while wearing reading glasses - so my usual set up is 6.5x magnification. I find this works best for limiting eyestrain while still getting a good look. If I think I see something significant, I’ll switch the 5x for a 10x. I use a specialty yellow light, or torch, with a focused beam. I’ve used
many light sources over the years, including an expensive dental light but found the beam too narrow when grading more than just a few stones. I also used a powerful LED white light for a long time and while I felt it worked well, I have since changed to the light I use today: a Noble Flashlight which was developed for use with rubies and sapphires. I find it is by far the best light I’ve used. We have sold these lights in the past on our website, and will again, once Covid-closed borders open up and we are able to re-stock.
I often describe rough as “clean” which means I didn’t see any inclusions after careful study. The rough may facet “loupe clean” or VVS, but until the actual cutting happens, it’s just not possible to say with 100% accuracy. To say otherwise would not be honest. We get the occasional piece of rough that has a naturally polished smooth surface without too much saturation and those stones are easier to predict. But anyone who’s worked with rough and
gemstones long enough knows that surprises are the norm.
Another term we use often is “eye clean” or “eye-clean or better.” These terms can have several meanings in my process. It could mean that the surface texture or saturation is such that I can’t say with 100% confidence that there isn’t a small bubble or fibrous silk hiding in the stone. But since I couldn’t see it, I believe it will most likely facet eye-clean or better. In general, it has to be pretty small for me to miss. Other times, I actually do see a very minor inclusion - it is natural rough after all - but my experience as a gem cutter tells me that the inclusion will most likely not be seen by the unaided eye after faceting. At the end of the day, these are
judgement calls, and again, it is my experience with faceting that really aids me in reaching these conclusions.
“Will facet with visible inclusions” means just that. We won’t sell faceting rough with cracks or rough that we feel is structurally compromised but many folks find inclusions beautiful and sometimes they can add sparkle and personality to a gemstone. Umba Sapphires and a few other species that are almost always expected to have some level of inclusion, I’ll describe on a gradient: AAA 95+ clean, AA 90% clean and so on. Often rough will have surface inclusions that
will be removed during the preforming stage and that will be noted in the description. If the inclusion is on the table side, we might say that yield will be reduced but a clean stone is possible.
That’s about it for how I grade our stones. The longer I’ve done it, the more I’ve come to appreciate the patience and skill involved. I often need to take second and third look before I have the confidence to post the stone. Other times I flat out miss things. In those cases, we are always anxious to take those stones back and make things right with our customers.
Happy faceting!
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Welcome to our newest innovation: The Auction House – an exciting way to buy and collect. I didn’t realize this until Facebook showed a memory but it is exactly three years ago today that we launched our website. Serendipitous, indeed!
We have high hopes for the auction feature and know offering only quality items will make it a popular destination. We are excited to give our clients a fun way to acquire great rough, gems, minerals and a few surprises thrown in down the road.
We’ve listed many incredible items for the first auction: my personal Fac-Ette GemMaster II, many quality pieces of rough including cabbing, gemstones, crystals and cabochons. With such a wide and diverse selection, there is sure to be something for everyone.
While this is the first auction, it is only the first of many. The site will have continuous auctions, ending every two weeks.
What are you waiting for? Until The Auction House becomes more well known, you’re likely to get great bargains. Head on over to the website and get your bids in now!
ROCK HAWK SPOTLIGHT
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Since no expensive international travel is required, we are able to pay top dollar.
We of course need to inspect items in-hand, so please contact us at josephhenley@hotmail.com, or send us a message directly from the website. We’ll start with a quick assessment.
]]>Did you know that folks who have boxes with us receive their own personalized promo code so that they get free shipping after their first order from our website?
Well, it's true!
Bracken has been contacting everyone with a box to give them their secret code.
Start a box with us now and get one for yourself!
How do boxes work? We only collect shipping on the first item and every additional item ships for free. We ship when you tell us to - easy peasy
Boxes are a very popular option for our clients. We have averaged about 100 at any given time since their introduction a year ago.⠀
The donation has been made from our last auction to benefit the surviving families of the Hpakant jade mine disaster of July 2, 2020 in which 174 miners lost their lives. ⠀
Attached are photos of the donation being made to the center set up to help the families. I would like to thank Jordan July for his efforts in delivering the funds, driving 2 days, sometimes through dangerous territory. Thanks also to Gil Yuda, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to facilitate this complicated donation.⠀
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When I started Joe Henley Rough & Gemstones almost 5 years ago, I could not have imagined our rapid growth and the opportunities it would provide for giving back. In a world full of need and calamity, there is much to be done and we are grateful to be in a position to help. To date, our social media auctions have raised upwards of $50,000. ⠀
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That money has gone to a wide range of organizations around the world: domestic violence shelters, Australian wildlife relief following the fires, dog shelters, supplementing miners impacted by COVID, and now, this donation. To me, the highest and best use of social media is the chance to practice reciprocity – we support each other and in return, we support the greater good.⠀
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There is a lot of talk about “ethical gems” and the importance of not only protecting the earth but also protecting miner rights and well-being. We believe strongly that ethical gems not be used as a mere marketing campaign but instead be something backed up with demonstrable actions.⠀
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All of us at Joe Henley Rough will continue to search out those in need and find ways to help them. Of course, all of this would not be possible without you, our customers. You are the real heroes – and we are honored to facilitate your generosity.⠀
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If you're new to buying rough-like we all were at some point- then it's important to know the difference between "primary" and "alluvial."
The mineral solutions that come together and produce gem rough/crystals occur at precise locations around the globe. Some of these locations are known and still others are waiting to be discovered. When the precise location where minerals have grown is found, it is called the "primary" deposit. If you've seen some of my videos exploring tanzanite or rhodolite mines where I am going down tunnels, you have seen primary deposits - where the miners are chipping away to extract the jagged pieces of rough.
Other times, erosion (either mechanical or chemical) occurs and the precise location where the minerals grew is disturbed. The rough breaks free of the host rock and begins to travel, sometimes great distances, from the primary source.
If we are lucky, the traveling rough makes its way to a river-or a river makes its way to the primary deposit. The action of the moving water begins to work its magic by smoothing out the jagged edges of the rough- these are called "alluvial" stones or deposits. These stones are found by miners when they either wade into the river and scoop up the gravel under water looking for stones, or they dig into an ancient and dried out river bed which occurs when the river has changed its course or gone extinct.
In general, given a choice between a "primary" or "alluvial" piece of rough, faceters will usually chose alluvial stones. They prefer them for a couple of reasons. One is yield - the return a cutter gets from a piece of rough. The closer the shape of the rough is to the finished gem, the higher the yield and therefore the higher return on investment.
Another reason is because alluvial stones tend to be cleaner stones. Most inclusions are weak spots in the rough's structure. The tumbling and tossing around in a river will usually result in these weak spots being knocked off...and if we are lucky, leaving behind a flawless nodule.
This is not to say that "primary" deposits are less than "alluvial" deposits. No way! Emerald, Tsavorite, Tanzanite, many sapphires, Mahenge spinels, ad infinitum come from primary deposits and are some of the most valuable gems on the earth!
Now that I have described the difference between a primary and alluvial piece of rough, it should be quite obvious which is which in the photo!
I'm not a geologist (I'm a geographer) and while some of this can be explained with fancier scientific language, I hope the novice will find this information helpful
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.⠀
Our customers know that we offer a diverse and affordable selection of rough. I love nothing more than diving head first into our inventory and arranging a palette of gems to wow and entice. Our clients around the world have come to expect the unexpected and have grown accustomed to seeing the widest selection of quality rough in the industry.⠀
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As the pandemic has dragged on, the challenge of maintaining a large and diverse inventory has grown. This is, candidly, an unfamiliar feeling for me. In times past, our inventory seemed inexhaustible – and while it is still broad and deep, shipping 100+ parcels each week has resulted in some unaccustomed stress. ⠀
Just this week, these 2 gigantic pieces of Tanzanite were found in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania in a mine owned by the Maasai (Pictured).
They weigh an incredible 5.8 and 0.2 kilos each! That's 33 pounds, 15,000 grams or 75,000 carats!
The mine owner was paid approximately $3,300,000 which works out to be about $45 per carat!
Get digging, folks! Just kidding, while the mineral, Zoisite, is found in a few countries, the gem variety of Zoisite is Tanzanite and that is only found in Tanzania.
Always moving!
Every move has been a step toward fulfilling a vision that continues to unfold and come into sharper focus. At its core, that vision has been to share my passion for rough and gems. Of course, to share that passion I, now we, have needed to learn how to harness and use new tools and technology. From photography equipment to software to selling platforms, each evolution has had its own unique set of challenges. But always more movement.
Our new website is our boldest move yet. What excites me most about it is the possibilities. We are launching with largely just the “four corners” in place. We now have the structure from which we can grow in directions that the old site did not have the capabilities to handle. We can share more personal and intimate experiences about where our gems come from, the miners, cutters and their families we partner with, the locations we travel to - the opportunity to bring our customers along for the ride. That includes the ability to share instructional and educational videos, interviews and behind the scenes stuff that only a robust website can allow. We have more plans up our sleeves but we will save those for later…. Keep watching!
We want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our customers and supporters who have made this such a rewarding endeavor.
Now, let’s get moving!
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