Johachidolite
Johachidolite is an extremely rare and highly sought-after gemstone, appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs for its remarkable scarcity and distinctive properties. Due to its extreme rarity, it is not surprising that the price of fine-quality specimens is exceptionally high.
In fact, johachidolite is so uncommon that it is virtually unheard of in typical jewelry stores. This gem is primarily the domain of dedicated gemstone enthusiasts, seasoned mineral collectors, and specialized gem dealers who value its uniqueness and gemological significance.
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While johachidolite might not be familiar to most people, it holds a special place in the world of gemology. The stone’s name is derived from the Johachido district, an old name for Sanpal-Tong in North Korea, the region where it was first discovered.
Over time, it has garnered immense interest from collectors and researchers, as very few deposits are known worldwide. The combination of rarity, intriguing chemistry, and challenging sourcing makes johachidolite an object of intense desire for those who wish to add something truly exceptional to their collections.
Properties
Chemical Formula and Composition
Johachidolite’s chemical formula is CaAlB3O7. This composition includes calcium, aluminum, and boron, which form a unique orthorhombic-dipyramidal crystal structure. Such an arrangement contributes to its rare set of physical and optical characteristics.
Color and Appearance
Johachidolite can appear in a range of subtle hues, including colorless, white, pale yellow, and light green. Although its colors are generally soft and understated, properly cut and polished stones can exhibit a pleasing brilliance that captivates the eye.
Durability and Hardness
This gemstone boasts a Mohs hardness of about 7½, placing it just below top-tier gems such as sapphire and ruby. Its sturdy nature can allow for faceting and occasional use in jewelry, although it is still more commonly reserved for collectors’ cabinets due to its rarity.
Optical and Physical Characteristics
- Refractive Index: 1.710 – 1.730
- Birefringence: 0.014
- Specific Gravity: 3.4
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Challenges in Faceting
Cutting johachidolite demands exceptional skill, as rough material is often minute, and the gem’s scarcity means that any mistake can be costly. Cutters must work meticulously to preserve carat weight while enhancing the gem’s natural beauty and brilliance.
Johachidolite from Mogok, Myanmar (Burma)
Johachidolite Mogok Deposit
Geographical and Historical Context
One of the very few known sources of gem-quality johachidolite is the famed Mogok region in Burma (Myanmar). Located approximately 200 km north of Mandalay and about 148 km northeast of Shwebo, Mogok sits in the Pyin Oo Lwin District of the Mandalay Region. Historically part of Shan State, it was integrated into the Mandalay Region after British colonial rule.
A Land of Legendary Gemstones
Mogok has enjoyed worldwide acclaim for centuries due to its abundance of exceptional gemstones. Although renowned primarily for its ruby and sapphire deposits, the region also yields an impressive variety of other stones, such as spinel, lapis lazuli, garnet, moonstone, and peridot. Chrysoberyl and other rare finds occasionally surface in the alluvial deposits as well, with johachidolite ranking as one of the scarcest among them.
Mining Conditions and Methods
Gem extraction in Mogok often involves traditional, artisanal methods. Miners recover gems from alluvial marble gravels through panning, tunneling, and hand-dug pits, with minimal mechanization. This meticulous and labor-intensive process is essential to isolate rare stones like johachidolite from the metamorphosed limestone (marble) deposits.
Rarity and Market Dynamics
The rarity of johachidolite and the painstaking mining process ensure that only a few specimens ever reach the global market. Even well-informed collectors face challenges acquiring johachidolite. It is often sold quietly in local markets, and foreign buyers must navigate strict regulations, obtaining special permits and adhering to the legal requirements for gemstone export from Myanmar.
Collector Appeal and Value
Johachidolite’s allure lies in its rarity and the story behind its extraction. Each specimen that reaches the hands of a serious gem collector represents countless hours of labor and a stroke of extraordinary luck. Museums, private collectors, and specialized gem dealers prize this stone for its unique attributes, adding a layer of mystique to any collection that includes a faceted johachidolite.
Johachidolite rough
FAQ
What makes johachidolite so rare?
Johachidolite is exceptionally rare due to the very limited number of known deposits and the challenges involved in mining it. Unlike more common gemstones, johachidolite occurs in minute quantities and is found sporadically, making it extremely difficult for collectors and dealers to acquire.
Can johachidolite be used in jewelry?
Although johachidolite has a relatively high hardness (7½ on the Mohs scale), its rarity and scarcity make it less common in jewelry. Most specimens are small and sought after by collectors rather than being set into rings or necklaces. However, a few jewelers skilled in working with rare stones may occasionally produce exceptional johachidolite pieces.
How can I verify the authenticity of a johachidolite gemstone?
To ensure you are purchasing an authentic johachidolite, seek a reputable dealer or gemologist who can provide certification and transparency regarding the stone’s origin. Reputable gemstone laboratories use advanced analytical techniques to confirm the gem’s chemical composition, refractive indices, and other identifying characteristics.
Where is the best place to find johachidolite for sale?
Because johachidolite is so rare, finding it for sale is challenging. You may encounter it through specialized gemstone dealers, private collectors, or reputable online platforms that cater to serious gem enthusiasts. It is uncommon to find johachidolite at mainstream jewelry stores.
Is it legal to buy johachidolite from Myanmar?
Purchasing gemstones from Myanmar must be done through legal channels. Foreign buyers often need special permits, and exporting gems from the country without proper authorization is illegal. Always verify that any transaction complies with international and local regulations.
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Carefully Curated Selection
For those intrigued by rare and uncommon gems, our shop provides an assortment of exceptional natural gemstones sourced from reliable and ethical suppliers. While johachidolite is notoriously hard to come by, you may discover other unique stones that fulfill your quest for rarity and beauty.
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Our team of gemologists and experts are available to assist you in selecting the perfect stone. Each gem comes with transparent information about its origin, characteristics, and any relevant gemological certifications, ensuring that you make an informed decision.
