Demantoid Garnet - 4.21 ct, Russia. Photo Heritage Auctions

There's something about the Russian version of this exotic Garnet that sets it apart from all other localities. The Russian material contains enough Chromium in its structure to give it a clean green with no hints of the blue or brown tones common to other source material. The Diamond like optical properties are the origin of the name: Demantoid = "Diamond-like" in Greek. As is typical for Russian material there are "horse-tail" type inclusions, but not enough to dim the fiery reflections from within this round brilliant style stone.

Overall measurements are 9.6 mm in diameter and it weighs 4.21 carats. [Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]. Estimated Price: $20,000 - $30,000

Heritage Auctions. 2013 June 2 Natural History Signature Auction Session 2. Phone: 800.872.6467 - Email: Bid@HA.com