Natural Pollucite Crystal
Iceflake
Pollucite is a caesium-rich zeolite that crystallises in the last pockets of lithium–caesium–tantalum pegmatites. Massive, cloudy material is not unusual; transparent crystals clean enough and large enough to facet are among the harder rarities to source.
Iceflake is a near-colourless octagon of 46.32 ct, cut in a step and modified brilliant pattern, and documented in an independent laboratory report as natural pollucite with no detected treatments.
Rarity Score: 9.4 / 10
Reference stones
- The Regal · JDBG Collection · 39.71 ct
- Pollucite Crystal · Smithsonian · 28.25 ct
Location: Stockholm · Private collection · JDBG GEMS
A matter of scale
Faceted pollucite is normally seen in single-digit carat weights. At 46.32 ct Iceflake is the largest documented faceted pollucite held at the Institute, and larger than the institutional reference specimens we have traced.
Why it is difficult
Pollucite is soft for its class (Mohs 6½), brittle and prone to internal veiling. Clean rough survives cutting only at low yield and with patient work.
Provenance
Acquired as part of a single-lot parcel of rare collector stones; chain of custody is documented from the cutting workshop to the Institute.
Documentation
Report, photographic record and acquisition history are held on file and shared in full with serious enquirers.