Taaffeite

Taaffeite is a very rare gem. It is unique in being the only gemstone not recognized as a new mineral species until it was faceted. The first specimen was found by Count Taafe in Ireland, in a jeweler’s box of stones. It looked like spinel, had a pale mauve tinge, and was cushion cut. However, it was eventually found to be a new, doubly-refractive (rather than singly refractive like spinel) mineral.

Since then, more specimens have been found. These range in hue from red to blue to almost colorless. There is currently no imitation of Taaffeite on the market.

Occurrence

Taaffeite occurs in Sri Lanka, the former USSR, and China.

Taaffeite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.61
• Refractive Index: 1.72-1.77
• Birefringence (DR): 0.004
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
• Composition: Beryllium magnesium aluminum oxide
• Hardness: 8

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Birthstone

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