Featured Cab
March - April 2000

Peruvian Gem Silica

Currently Not Available

  This beautiful blue-green stone is from the southern part of Peru near Arequipa. Both Gem Silica and Blue Opal mines are located there. Copper and copper-bearing minerals are also mined nearby. Gem Silica acquires its beautiful color from the presence of copper and its black dendrites from the presence of manganese. Gem Silica contains less water in its composition than the Blue Opal, which provides more stability and less fractures and allows the cutting of larger cabs.
 
  The cabochon in the upper center of photo measures 25.5 x 24mm.