Home > African Minerals – March 29 > MS0682 Sanidine

Sanidine - Sold


Sanidine is a high temperature feldspar found in volcanic rocks. These yellow gem feldspar crystals have been known from Itongray since the nineteenth century. Recent production has turned up a few nice examples, and much of the material is shipped directly to China for cutting. The crystals occur in two different veins, one with better color, as is this example. The color comes from a minor iron content. Since these crystals, erupted in a volcanic flow, they are rarely (if ever) complete. This example is approximately 75% complete, which is considerably better than average. This crystal is a water clear gem. Nice!