Gemstones, Diamonds, Pearls - Multicolour.com
My Shopping Cart My Account Gem Library
|Welcome to Multicolour.com|Single Stones|Calibrated Stones|Pairs|Mix Lots|Closeouts|Carved Gems|lapidary and gemological tools and supplies|Gem Smart Search|
Home / Gem Library / Gemstones Varieties / Taaffeite December 21, 2024

Natural Taaffeite

Taaffeite is one of the rarest and most desirable of collector's stones. Only a very few stones have been found, most of them originally misidentified as spinel. Sri Lanka and Tanzania appear to be the only sources for this material this time. However, because of the geological connection between the deposits in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and East Africa, we expect to find the stones in Madagascar as well.


  • There are 14 Taaffeite gemstones available at Multicolour.com
  • Taaffeite(s) are organized in the following categories: PairSingle,  gemstones.
  • Our most expensive Taaffeite is USD 21735.00 and largest Taaffeite weight is CTS 3.45.
  • Our cheapest Taaffeite is USD 432.00 and smallest Taaffeite weight is CTS 0.48.

Find your Taaffeite

Our Taaffeite(s) are available in various shapes, sizes and colors. 14 Taaffeite(s), too many to look through? You may select any combination of search options. Colors grade into each other and you can search for more than one color at once. For a better selection, try selecting two or three colors, -- your first choice plus the two closest colors.

Color range
blue
violet
bluish violet
bluish purple





Taaffeite Profile

Color information: Mauve, reddish violet, brownish-purple, pink, red, blue.
Refractive Index: 1.71-1.72.
Chemical Composition: Mg3BeAl8O16
Hardness: 8 - 8.5
Density: 3.60 - 3.71
Crystal Group: Hexagonal
Ocurrence: Tunduru, Tanzania; Sri Lanka
Sign of the Zodiac: N/A
Month of the year: N/A
Taaffeite Taaffeite
In 1945, Count Taaffe, a Dublin gemologist found a pale mauve stone in a jewelers junk box that resembled spinel in appearance and properties but showed distinct double refraction. The stone was sent to the British museum for testing where they determined it to be an unknown mineral. Although its refractive index is nearly the same as spinel, it can be differentiated by its double refraction and uniaxial negative character.

Despite diligent search, it was not until 1949 that another stone was found in a parcel of stones from Sri Lanka. A third stone was found in 1957 by Robert Crowningshield of GIA and a fourth stone some 10 years later. Since then, more gemologists have been aware of taafeite and stones continue to be discovered. We discovered some taafeites in our mine run material from Tunduru, Tanzania and have started re-checking all our stones especially the spinels for any evidence of double refraction which with the correct refractive index would confirm their identity as taafeite.

Looking for other Gemstones?

Search Gems by Color | Advance Search | Step-by-Step Search Wizard

Search/
Search for:
Search Site Gems
Enter keywords or item #. (i.e ruby or YDFG97a).
Shopping Cart: Empty

Taaffeite range/
Taaffeite Single
Taaffeite Single Fancy Eye clean
Size: 10.40 X 8.80 MM
Weight: 3.450 CTS
Shape: Fancy
Clarity: Eye clean
Usually ships within 24 hours
RECOMMENDED
OUR PRICE
USD 21735.00
Add to Shopping Cart Save For Later

Taaffeite Single
Taaffeite Single Oval Eye clean
Size: 4.80 X 4.30 MM
Weight: 0.480 CTS
Shape: Oval
Clarity: Eye clean
Usually ships within 24 hours
RECOMMENDED
OUR PRICE
USD 432.00
Add to Shopping Cart Save For Later


Gem Library/
Gems Legend and  Lore Gems Legend and Lore
Some of the latest of ways that gems have been associated with Birthstones and Signs of the Zodiac.
Understanding Gemstones Understanding Gemstones
Learn about Physical and Optical properties, color, clarity and cut of gemstones.
Gems Glossary Gems Glossary
Ever wonder what are "Blemish", "Luster", "Saturation" "Uniformity" or "Mine Run" means?
Reference and  Links Reference and Links
Recommended books and links to Gem, Jewelry&Mineral Magazines, Gem Institutes and Labs.

 Top of Page Need help?  

Gemstones for sale: Alexandrite, Garnet, Diamond, Opal, Spinel, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Tanzanite, Tsavorite,
Gemstones by Category: Calibrated, Carving, Closeout, Jewelry, Mixed Lot, Pair, Rough, Single, Best Sellers or Featured Gemstones.
Gemstone education: Colored Gemstones Guide, Gems Library, Gemstone Treatments, Gemstone Glossary, Gems and Astrology,

All Transactions secure by Thawte certificate - click here to validate Ebay Power Seller Gem Certification Various Shipping Options Major Credit Cards Accepted

© Copyright David Wein Ltd, 1998-2024. All trademarks and logos shown herein are the property of their respective owners. This website is legally owned and operated by David Wein Ltd, Hong Kong. DPMS Registration No. A-B-24-11-08424. The website operations and customer services are managed by Multicolour Gems Co Ltd in partnership with David Wein Ltd. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Return Policy, Privacy Policy and Trading Guarantee.

Site design and maintenance by NetComposite ®.