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0.77 ct HYALOPHANE - BOSNIA
SKU: HYAL0001 | Location: Vault 1
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Hyalophane is the "phantom" of the feldspar group. Its name comes from the Greek words for "glass" and "to appear," which is fitting because a high-quality crystal looks like a block of pure, solidified light. While most people are familiar with common feldspars like moonstone or labradorite, Hyalophane is a much rarer barium-rich variety that occupies a middle ground in the barium-potassium series. I've always been drawn to its exceptional clarity; when you find a piece of rough that is truly water-clear, it possesses a vitreous luster that feels almost liquid. It's a sophisticated choice for the collector who values structural purity over flashy play-of-color.
The Heritage & Discovery
Historical Significance: Hyalophane has always been a mineral of distinction in European collections. Because it requires a specific chemical balance of barium to form, it is significantly less common than the standard potassium feldspars. It represents a bridge in mineralogical chemistry, sitting between the more common orthoclase and the rare barium endmember, celsian. For those of us documenting the evolution of the feldspar family, Hyalophane is an essential chapter.
Discovery: The mineral was first described in 1855 by the Swiss mineralogist Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen. He identified it in the Lengenbach Quarry, a site that has become legendary for producing complex and rare mineral species. Since its discovery, it has remained a specialist's stone, prized more for its crystal habit and transparency than for industrial use.
Important Mines: The absolute gold standard for facet-grade Hyalophane is the Busoča Quarry in Zagradski Potok, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This location produces the world's most famous "water-clear" crystals, often found embedded in white dolomite. While occurrences are noted in the Lengenbach Quarry in Switzerland and parts of Japan , the Bosnian material is the only rough I trust when I want to cut a gemstone that truly disappears into the light.
Mineralogical Profile
Description: Hyalophane is a potassium barium aluminum silicate that crystallizes in the monoclinic system. It sits at a 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale , making it durable enough for jewelry, though its perfect cleavage requires a steady hand during the faceting process. It is typically colorless, white, or pale yellow, with a transparency that can rival the finest topaz. Its refractive index is slightly higher than that of standard orthoclase, giving it a sharper, more "brilliant" presence when faceted.
Chemical Formula: (K,Ba)Al(Si,Al) 3 O 8
Gemstone Specifications
| Gem Variety | Hyalophane |
| Origin | Serbia |
| Weight | 0.77 carats |
| Color | Colorless |
| Dimensions | 5.7 mm x 4.9 mm x 3.4 mm |
| Shape | Emerald |
| Treatment | No treatment |
| Certificate | On Request |
Verified history from our original eBay account.
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- Origin: Items are dispatched directly from our secure facility in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Dispatch Time: We ship within 1-3 business days of cleared payment.
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- Returns: We accept returns within 30 days of receipt.
- Condition: The gemstone must be returned in its original, unaltered condition.
- Resolution: If you encounter any issues with your acquisition, please message me directly. My goal is to work out a solution that ensures you are 100% satisfied with your experience.
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Personal Verification & Certification
- Identity: Every stone is personally inspected by me. I take scientific accuracy seriously; however, with hundreds of species in the vault, I remain open to professional dialogue and corrections from fellow gemologists.
- Laboratory Certification: For "Investment Grade" stones, certifications from world-renowned labs (AIGS, GRS, etc.) can be obtained upon request.
- Note: Lab processing can take up to 2 months.
- Costs: The buyer covers lab fees; a copy of the official laboratory invoice will be provided for transparency.
- Visual Accuracy: We utilize professional macro-photography to reveal the "soul" of the gem. While monitor settings may vary, we strive for 100% visual fidelity to the stone's true appearance.
Welcome to Freakingcat's Private Vault
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Known to the eBay community since 2003 as Freakingcat, I have spent two decades curated a premier private collection of rare minerals. Now based in Bangkok, Thailand—the heart of the gem trade—I am offering these hand-selected specimens to you directly.
Note on our New Account: eBay policies prevent me from transferring my historical feedback to this Thai-based venture. While our score starts fresh, my legacy of trust remains.
Secure & Professional: To ensure full legal compliance and global shipping reliability, all logistics are managed by my trusted agent and partner of 20 years, Asama James (Business Reg: 3100905529191).
The account is new; the passion and expertise are 20 years deep. Welcome to the Vault.