Taaffeite of Sri Lanka

Chemical Composition

• Formula: BeMg(_3)Al(8)O({16})
• Common Impurities: Iron, manganese, zinc, vanadium, and chromium.

Physical Properties

• Color: Ranges from lavender, mauve, violet, pink, and occasionally blue or colorless.
• Hardness: 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for jewelry.
• Crystal System: Hexagonal.
• Refractive Index: 1.719-1.730, contributing to its brilliance and sparkle.

Optical Properties

• Luster: Excellent, which enhances its visual appeal.
• Transparency: Typically transparent, adding to its desirability as a gemstone.

Occurrence

• Locations: Primarily found in Sri Lanka and Madagascar, with some occurrences in Myanmar and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Historical Significance

• Discovery: First identified by gemologist Richard Taaffe in 1945, it was initially mistaken for spinel.

Market Significance

• Rarity: Extremely rare, making it highly sought after by collectors and gem enthusiasts.
• Value: High, due to its rarity and exceptional beauty.

Taaffeite is not only prized for its rarity but also for its captivating colors and remarkable brilliance ( even though rarely eye-clean). Its hardness and luster make it an excellent choice for various types of jewelry.

Discover the Rare Beauty of Taaffeite

If you’ve ever wondered about the rarest gemstones in the world, Taaffeite is one of them. This extraordinary gem not only serves as a substitute for the August birthstone but is also often mistaken for spinel, making it even rarer.

A Sri Lankan stone initially thought to be taaffeite, and later believed to be a new gemstone, was subsequently named taprobanite. There is only one official variety of taaffeite, found in Australia, known as musgravite. Musgravite has the chemical formula

Mg2BeAl6O12Mg2​BeAl6​O12​ and, unlike taaffeite, has a trigonal crystal system.

Symbolism and Meaning

Taaffeite symbolizes good luck, love, and vitality. It is especially fortunate for those experiencing a period of bad luck, as it is said to transform cycles of misfortune into cycles of fortune. The crystal’s mauve coloring represents elegance, femininity, and devotion, tying to the transformative rebirth of spring, beloved by those in love with love.

The beloved mauve-colored taaffeite combines the properties of both pink and purple gemstones. Pink stones are known to bring emotional balance and compassion, while purple stones are said to facilitate spiritual growth, promote wisdom, and encourage magical qualities.

Quality and Value

Among the few taaffeites available, an even smaller percentage are considered fine-quality. Most taaffeite stones are pale and small. The highest quality taaffeite can exceed $38,000, while lower quality stones may be valued at around $5,000.