Cut stone
0.64ct Taaffeite
0.64 ct · Taaffeite
A genuinely uncommon gem mineral, and the only one first identified from a cut stone.
$14,200
$22,187.50 per carat · AUD, GST included where applicable
Demonstration record
This example is here to show the disclosure format. It is not real inventory, does not enter product feeds and cannot be reserved or purchased.
- One of a kind — when it sells it is gone, and the listing stays up as a record.
About this stone
Taaffeite was identified in 1945 by Richard Taaffe, who noticed that a stone in a box of cut spinel was doubly refractive — making it the only gem species ever first recognised from an already-faceted stone rather than from a crystal. It was not recognised as a distinct species until 1945, from a stone already cut and sold as spinel.
It looks like a pale mauve spinel and is routinely mistaken for one, which is exactly how the original was found. Certification is not optional for this species and this stone is called by GIA.
Specification
| Form | Cut stone |
|---|---|
| Species | Taaffeite |
| Weight | 0.64 ct |
| Shape | Oval |
| Measurements | 5.6 × 4.7 × 3.2 mm |
| Colour | Pale mauve-violet, light tone |
| Colour family | Violet & purple |
| Clarity | Eye clean |
| Origin | Sri Lankaour assessment |
Calibrate the size
Treatment & certification
No indications of heating
No heat and no other treatment of any kind.
How we know
No indications of treatment (GIA report GIA-1229018844).
GIA reportGIA-1229018844
Natural taaffeite. No indications of treatment.
Issued 8 January 2026. The report travels with the stone.
Every listing on this site states its treatment, including when the honest answer is that we don’t know. How we describe stones.
Evidence provenance
This is an educational record. Its values demonstrate the format and do not represent an owned stone or publication-approved evidence file. It cannot be purchased or exported as a product.
Shipping, inspection and care
No carrier promise is inferred from this page. At checkout the live service must find a recently verified route that accepts loose gemstones, the destination and the full declared value.
You have seven days from delivery to request a change-of-mind return, in addition to rights under Australian Consumer Law. Read the inspection and return process.
Keep the stone loose, dry and separated from harder material. Do not use heat, chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning or steam without advice specific to the species, treatment and condition. Rough and specimens should not be altered during the inspection period.
Permanent disclosure history
Demonstration data has no commercial disclosure version.