Editors

5 Things to Know About … Taaffeite

EditorsJun 15, 2020

5 Things to Know About … Taaffeite

Long mistaken for spinel, taaffeite holds the distinction of being the only gem identified from a faceted stone.

20200615_Taaffeite-header.jpg
Five taaffeite gemstones from Pala International weighing (clockwise from top left): 2.45, 1.36, 1.35, 0.79 and 1.32 carats
In gemstone history, spinel plays the role of the great imposter. Numerous “rubies” set in royal or other treasured jewels turned out to be spinels.

But, as it turns out, there’s another gemstone that rivals spinel when it comes to identification confusion.

Enter taaffeite, a very rare gemstone that looks similar to spinel but isn’t as well known.

Taaffeite can come in various pink and purples shades like lilac, violet and mauve, as well as red, brown, bluish hues, gray, green and colorless.

I happened upon the gem while scrolling through Instagram, as one does, and immediately added it to my list of stones to cover.

I’m so glad I did; there are many interesting things about this gem beyond just its rarity, though that is of course one of its more notable aspects.

Here are five things to know about taaffeite.

1. It was long mistaken for spinel. 

One of my favorite parts of researching this stone was hearing the story of how it was “discovered.” 

In 1945, gemologist Count Edward Charles Richard Taaffe of Dublin, Ireland, was sifting through a parcel of cut and polished stones.

While examining them, he realized a small mauve-colored stone weighing 1.419 carats that looked like spinel might be something different. 

Importantly, the gem was doubly refractive. Spinel, like diamond and garnet, is singly refractive. 

Curious and wanting to investigate further, Taaffe sent the gem to the Laboratory of the London Chamber of Commerce for testing.

A 13.23-carat oval mixed-cut purple taaffeite from Sri Lanka (Image courtesy of the Dr. E. Gubelin Collection. Photo credit: Robert Weldon/GIA)
A 13.23-carat oval mixed-cut purple taaffeite from Sri Lanka (Image courtesy of the Dr. E. Gubelin Collection. Photo credit: Robert Weldon/GIA)

Researchers eventually confirmed it was a new species and named the stone after the gemologist.

Part of the new gemstone was used for analysis, and the remainder was returned to Taaffe as a 0.55-carat stone, according to the International Gem Society (IGS), standing as the first official chunk of taaffeite.

Taaffeite is the first, and still only, gemstone initially identified from a faceted gemstone.

Carl Larson of gem dealer Pala International called this “extraordinary” since cut gems are harder to identify than rough as an observer loses “clues” like the crystal system.

2. Here’s how it’s similar to, and different from, spinel.

At first glance, many taaffeites looks just like spinel. It’s once you get into the specifics that you’re able to spot the differences.

The two gemstones have a similar hardness (8 for spinel, 8 to 8.5 taaffeite), refractive index (1.1712-1.762 for spinel and 1.719-1.730 for taaffeite), and specific gravity (3.54-3.63 for spinel and 3.60-3.62 for taaffeite).

But, as mentioned above, taaffeite’s birefringence sets it apart.

Taaffeite also has a different chemical composition and crystal structure than spinel. Spinel forms in cubic crystals whereas taaffeite forms in the hexagonal crystal system.

3. It originates from only a few sources around the world.

The source of taaffeite was unknown for a long time. Eventually, small fragments were found in Sri Lanka and southern Tanzania, according to reference site GemDat.org.

Material also has come from Myanmar, and some lower-grade taaffeite has been found in China and Russia, according to the IGS.

It’s not surprising the gemstone has been mistaken for spinel, not only because of its similar appearance but also because, according to Gems & Gemology, it’s found mixed in with parcels of spinel.

This oval-shaped taaffeite from Multicolour weighs 3.44 carats and is from Tanzania. (Photo credit: Vanutsaporn Treemok)
This oval-shaped taaffeite from Multicolour weighs 3.44 carats and is from Tanzania. (Photo credit: Vanutsaporn Treemok)

4. And it is rare.

For many years after Taaffe’s discovery, there were only known to be a few samples, and taaffeite remains one of the rarest minerals in the world, IGS said.

An article in the summer 1982 issue of Gems & Gemology said only about 10 specimens had been identified at that time, and estimates for how much taaffeite is currently in circulation today remain fairly small.

Due to its incredible rarity, it’s used exclusively for cut gemstones, multiple sources said.

Larson said he’s only worked with about 20 taaffeite stones in his seven years with Pala International, adding he’s only sold four stones he’d call fine quality.

According to Bonhams, the few taaffeites seen on the market are usually light in color and small.

5. There are options at many price points, but the high-end goods get gobbled up.

Because much of the material is lighter in saturation it can also be accessibly priced, between about $1,500-$2,500 per carat, according to Howard Fensterman Minerals.

But as is the case with most gemstones, top-quality pieces are rare and, thus, expensive.

A 1.06-carat taaffeite from Sri Lanka, courtesy of Pala International
A 1.06-carat taaffeite from Sri Lanka, courtesy of Pala International

Larson said the light-pink material and dark-purple material tends to be priced at around $800 to $2,500 per carat.

Finer colors with more saturation can go up to about $5,500 to $7,500 per carat, while those with intense color that are clean inside can sell for as much as $15,000 per carat.

These fine stones sell very quickly, Larson added, noting most buyers he’s encountered are well researched on the subject and know as much, if not more, than he does about the gem.

There have even been a few examples of taaffeite at auction—in 2018, a lavender kite-shaped taaffeite weighing 5.34 carats went up on the block at Bonhams, where it sold for $20,000 including buyer’s premium. 

David Weinberg of gemstone wholesaler Multicolour said they are seeing a few very specific markets for taaffeite: collectors, engagement rings and collector-investors. 

While he noted demand has dipped in light of the coronavirus pandemic, it is still “generally better” than most stones, a performance he attributes to the increasing popularity of rare gemstones. 

Larson also said the fine stones sell very quickly, adding any material that’s eye-clean with strong color and a good cut will sell relatively quickly, no matter the size.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Dana J. Lorberg
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its Board

Dana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.

FBI robbery surveillance photo
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers

The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.

Models wearing Black Sand Pebble ring and Surf bracelet
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into Diamonds

The new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute watch
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-Long

The Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Katy Briscoe carved indicolite Persian cat ring
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style File

These 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy