It maybe cold outside, but my tourmaline world is heating up. I have been posting again and making new contacts. Some that could lead to new research on Laurellite, a reverse alexandrite color changer from Mozambique.
On the rough side things are looking up. Brian Norton, my principle supplier says that some high grade tourmaline rough is available at higher prices. And I should get a mixed lot soon. I have been cutting, at a slow rate, some small material given to me by friend just to keep working. This is the lowest point I have been with rough in modern times. I have hear that the Chinese have at least partially withdrawn from market, so maybe it will get better. Still it will never be like the “old” days.
I have made a contact in San Diego who has mined, cut, purchased and collected tourmaline for most of an old man’s lifetime. He has been tantalizing me with visions of lots of old Brazilian color. I have never had access to much Brazilian material before so it is exciting.
My most interesting recent cutting effort produced a 6mm by 4mm emerald cut that really looks like a medium grade emerald, inclusions and all. I am happy with it because of its vivid color.
Finally I am working with my older daughter to get up a page with tourmaline from the collection for sale. I promise that the gems will be well cut and fairly presented with most of the proceedings going back into new tourmaline rough to cut and share with you.
Bruce
