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Pezzottaite Gemstones

New gemstone varieties are still being discovered. A good example is pezzottaite, one of the most recent discoveries, which was recognized by the International Mineralogical Association as a distinct variety of gemstone in September 2003.

Specimens of the new mineral were first thought to be red beryl (bixbite) or a cesium-rich variety of beryl. But unlike types of beryl, this new mineral contains lithium. It also crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system, unlike beryl, which has hexagonal crystals.

Pezzottaite Rough from Madagascar

Pezzottaite was named in honor of the young Italian mineralogist, Federico Pezzotta, now curator of mineralogy at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale in Milan.

The first specimens of pezzottaite were discovered in the granitic pegmatites of Fianarantsoa Province in Southern Madagascar. The small crystals ranged in color from orange-red to pink or raspberry red. Like morganite and bixbite, pezzottaite is believed to owe its color to radiation-induced color centers involving trivalent manganese. Most pezzottaite specimens from Madagascar are heavily included and cut gems rarely exceed 1 carat. Some specimens display chatoyancy (the cat's eye effect).

Faceted Pezzottaite

Pezzottaite has a similar hardness to beryl - 8 on the Mohs scale. But its specific gravity (3.10) and refractive index (1.601 to 1.620) are both higher than that of beryl.

The Madagascan deposits of pezzottaite are now believed to have been exhausted. However, a new deposit has since been found in Afghanistan. At first it was believed to be cesium-rich morganite, but analysis has revealed that it is pezzottaite.

Both red beryl (bixbite) and pezzottaite are very rare gems. But red beryl is the more valuable of the two, probably because of its more highly saturated color. Apparently some specimens of pezzottaite have been offered on the market as red beryl, perhaps out of ignorance or maybe with a fraudulent motive. Buyers of red beryl should take care that specimens are certified by a recognized gemological laboratory.

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Overall Rating -> 10

Good selection. I'm always looking around on this site.

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Overall Rating -> 9

Easy to use and the filters were of much help!

Posted By Diyana in March, 2022

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Overall Rating -> 10

This web site is like heaven lol. I am a rock hound and I am a Christian and we represent rocks in our lives. The Diamond is has to be heated a lot and we are all jewels of God. I have a lot of rocks at home. My Husband gives the eye roll when i show him more rocks lol Uh life is good lol. ha ha

Posted By Bonnie in June, 2022

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Overall Rating -> 10

I had problems with PayPal. My customer service rep, Thomas, did a great job in shepherding me through the process. I ended up purchasing three stones, due to Thomas good customer service. Thomas deserves a raise and a week's vacation.

Posted By WildWillie in April, 2022

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Overall Rating -> 10

Great site; I've purchased many stones here.

Posted By Ben in July, 2022

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Overall Rating -> 10

So many stones, so little time and money. Easy to fill up the cart when the stones are beautifully pictured. I hope the real items are as beautiful.

Posted By Wen in January, 2023

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Overall Rating -> 9

Would love to be able to purchase mixed gem lots.