Gemstones - Color Change Turkish Diaspore

The Diaspore Story...what's in a name?

Diaspore is also being sold under another name which starts with "Z" and ends in "ite" and is reminiscent of the Sultans that ruled Turkey in the past. It is also being sold under another name currently - both names trademarked, but the given mineralogical name is Diaspore. Since the newer names are trademarked, most people still know this and sell this gemstone as Diaspore. All this material is coming from a relatively small area in Turkey. It is color changing in larger sizes as noted in the descriptions that follow. We were contacted by those originally involved in theintroduction of this rare color changing gemstone to the trade and public back in 1994/95 (the gentlemans name was Guven and he was living in Fl). I finally met him in person in Tucson in about 1994. The gems back then were quite large and didn't really have a very good color change. Gems weighing say under 3cts may not have much of a color change and some smaller ones would be best as a specimen of the mineral, but typically there is no color change. If one wants a color change, it has to be larger. Those claiming that they see a color change or color shift in a 1ct gemstone - beware. I would be skeptical to say the least. We have two gemstones below with a total weight of 1.99cts for about $35/ct. They would represent Diaspore but they are small and have no color shift/change. We also have a slightly larger single piece weighing over 1ct and priced about $200/ct - one may see some slight color variation under various lights, but nothing that is dramatic or all that noticeable. As of today, July 9, 2012, I have seen a 1.02ct trilliant selling on line for $600/ct. Sorry, but I really don't understand that - yes, clean (which you expect for that size!), well cut (a plus), but there really won't be much color change/shift - and that is a pricey figure...This same business was incorrectly discussing 'common' Diaspore vs. the trademarked name. If one reads into it, he would be correct in that common Diaspore is not color changing as this variety seems to come only from Turkey and the Turkish material does seem to be cleaner. However, the mineral/gemstone is still Diaspore - regardless of what else you choose to call it. In listing where 'common' Diaspore was found, they did miss the fact that Diaspore is also found in my state of Massachusetts! Again, all the hype was about the trademark and selling at higher prices. Make something very exclusive, and sell it for more money - that's marketing. Why not just call it exactly what it is, and how we are selling it - Color Change Turkish Diaspore; it changes color in larger sizes, it is from Turkey and it is the gemstone known as Diaspore.--- The above paragraph was written by L. Allen Brown, owner of All That Glitters, Gemology Degree from the Gemological Institute of America, with over four decades in the gemstone trade. I approve the above as being factual and true, unlike so much one finds out there on line - and this is what has caused me to state some facts because it is disheartening to read things that are just not true and are meant to deceive the public for profit.

Decades ago, I had met the original facetor for the introducers of this gemstone and I contacted him again in about the 2003 timeframe, as I had obtained larger thicker very fine quality color changing rough from Turkey. Since that timeframe, I have used his experience and expertise to facet our larger important Diaspores.

What is the difference between our Color Change Turkish Diaspore and that trademarked name? Nothing. Ours came from that location in Turkey before a 2nd party came onto the scene and leased the mine. Our rough was found by locals working the area. In fact, he contacted my cutter of this material to facet his material. His lower quality material was sold off to the shopping/tv networks and his company sold his higher end material. So essentially, we have the same rough, used the same cutter and both want the finest nicest larger gemstones of this material. We call it Diaspore, because that is the official name of this mineral. The trademarked name refers to material currently being mined, sold under this name and it is solely a marketing ploy.

With Diaspore, the color will vary in each lighting condition - all forms of incandescent, fluorescent, sunlight, indirect sunlight, etc. will produce variations in the color - a real chameleon! We have chosen different light sources which would produce the best color change from green to pink/red as possible when photographing these pieces. The colors span many variations of green, biege, bronze, pink and red; AND, if different light sources exist at the same time, numerous colors can be seen flashing off of the different facets!

True Story: A jewelry store on the West Coast was seeking a Diaspore for a customer and they found us on line. They wanted a nice quality without being too small or too large. When we quoted them the price on a particular Diaspore, they wanted to know why our price was high (or why the other companys was so low!). We indicated the cutting, the color change, the clarity, the quality, etc. all determine the pricing and that fine gems are actually quite rare, not to mention that the return from the rough to a cut stone is typically only 8%! We sent our gemstone out to them and the other company also sent theirs. Note that ours was about $1900 and the other companys was $200. The difference between the two pieces was like night and day, and was worth spending the extra $1700.
We made the sale!

ATG News Release (November 2004): Word-Class Gemstone Finds New Home

Note that to photograph the color changes is very difficult. In some photos below, we have had both lights available and therefore, the body of the gemstone will be greenish and the highlights will be peach, orange, pink or red. Colors differ on every computer monitor also. This material is EXTREMELY PHOTOREACTIVE and depending on the lights, one might see different variations of green (beige green, smoky green, olive green, green, yellow green), pink, peach, orange red, etc. This material is wonderful and you never know what colors might be displayed. If you require more information, we can do our best to describe the colors for you under office fluorescents, incandescent, halogen, sunlight and indirect light. This material has become our favorite gemstone a ithas more variations than Alexandrite and is far more interesting!

For prices on our Diaspore, please contact via phone or email. A few natural crystals and crystal segments are available. Click on Diaspore Crystals or scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the photos. Showing accurate color for color changing gemstones is difficult. If we couldn't get a good photo of the various shade of green or pink, we used the one that we felt was a fair representation of the color. The colors of these larger gemstones is typically a variation of green to beige/champagne to some form of pink/bronze with many having highlights of red or peach! The color is also directly related to the types of lights and wavelengths in those lights, so the color, the intensity/saturation and even the sparkle will vary... Note all of our Diaspores have been faceted in the United States by Multi-Award Winning Cutters. Those that are hand-grooved were created by one of our specialty cutters; the flat faceting was done by our Supreme Master Gem Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner). Stephen was one of a few facetors comfortable and capable of faceting this tricky mineral/gemstone. He was involved in the original introduction of Color Changing Turkish Diaspore back in the early 1990s, the same time that All That Glitters was contacted by the same individual who was introducing this unque gemstone to the trade. The owner of All That Glitters finally met the person whom had contacted him about Diaspore, in Tucson (approx 1993). Stephen was met at that time also, as he was working in the booth promoting Diaspore and those that he had faceted. Approximately 10 years later, All That Glitters made a fairly large purchase of fine quality high end Diaspore rough (far nicer than what was originally introduced in Tucson), and it is then that All That Glitters and Stephen Kotlowski teamed up to create superbly faceted Diaspores as well as other gemstone species...

Color Shifting Turkish Diaspore, Concave Faceted

A large 8.36ct Concave Faceted Color Shifting Turkish Diaspore. Bottom photo shows the pavillion and v-grooves/concave cutting of this unique piece. Color shift is from a nice celery green to a champagne with a sparkle of rose depending on the lights. (diaspr-unk-01) Contact us for pricing.

Color Shifting Turkish Diaspore, Concave Faceted with Optical Dishes!

4.32ct Concave Faceted Color Shifting Turkish Diaspore. Bottom photo shows the pavillion and the 5 Optical Dishes; there are v-grooves(concave faceting) on the opposite side. Color shift is from a nice celery green to a champagne perhaps with a sparkle of rose depending on the lights. (diaspr-unk-02) Contact us for pricing.

4.68ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, "Gone Askew Rhombus", faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competion Award Winner, Stephen Kotlowski (turk-04ac-14). This was photographed under diffused office fluorescent lights, with a small penlight illuminating the gemstone from above. The incandescent penlight gives the peach, orange, red highlights. Depending on the light source, one can see the following depending on those wavelengths available in those light sources: Office Fluorescent: Beige or beige-green Brinkman Fluorescent: Better green than above Diffused Daylight (by a window, under a tree, etc.): Shows the best Green under the lighting conditions tested. Incandescent/spot: Bronzy Pink (14.81x9.24x7.82x6.36mm) $7,020 (As seen in Cedar WIngs Magazine)

4.75ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Mixed 12 Main Brilliant Rectangle, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner - Stephen Kotlowski . 11.73x6.62x7.39mm SOLD!(SW) See the custom ring designed for this piece...Custom Jewelry
Eye Clean, the finest cutting available, color change varies under different lights - these are the optimum colors ranging from a tan/beige, to a variation of green to a variation of bronze or pink. Call or email for price quotes.

5.25cts Color Change Diaspore
Mixed Brilliant Trilliant 10.81x10.81x10.81x7.17mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski (trv-05-01c)

6.05ct UK Start Cushion Round This is a VERY lively gemstone. The color might be considered lighter in the green or pink, but the sparkle is tremendous! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski . 12.21x12.21x7.90mm (trv-05-01i) SOLD! (Customer in the United Kingdom) Some of the customers comments are below: My stone arrived about an hour and a half ago and ever since I have been walking around the house and outside in the garden with it in my hand (carefully of course...). I must be honest and say that I was prepared to be disappointed as you can never quite judge a photo and indeed I have never seen this stone in the flesh before. I was wowed by the sparkle when I opened the box - your website description is totally accurate in that this is such a lively stone. I don't think I've seen a better cut stone and I certainly don't possess one! The facet arrangements are unlike any I've seen before and I was expecting a flat table for some reason from the photo but the cutting is fantastic and I LOVE it. I imagine I will grow to love this stone more as already I have seen a distinct colour change from my kitchen where it is a beige champagne to outside where it is a bright almost lime green. I have seen some salmon pinks running through but I'm sure these might come out more at night. It is early days and I'm sure this stone will change and have different nuances throughout the day and night which I haven't yet had enough time to look at and appreciate. Thanks once again for the speed and efficiency of this transaction and I will be back to purchase again in the future - as i said I do have my eye on a spessartite garnet next but could be tempted also by another diaspore.........

6.15ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Mixed Modified Long Cushion, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner Stephen Kotlowski . (turk-04ac-08) 13.68x6.81x8.23mm

Eye Clean, the finest cutting available, color change varies under different lights - these are the optimum colors ranging from a tan/beige, to a variation of green to a variation of bronze or pink. Call or email for price quotes.

6.20ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Brilliant Diamond Cut Emerald, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner (Stephen Kotlowski ). (turk-04ac-09) Measuring 12.13x7.75.8.03mm This beauty appears in two editions of a book on gemstones! $10,850 Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying - New Edition

6.50ct Color Change Diaspore
Uniquely Flash Trilliant 11.45 x 11.45 x 11.45 x 7.92(d)mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski (trv-05-01b)

8.95ct Rare Color Changing Diaspore - Split Facet Long Cushion Faceted by a well known Master Facetor - Stephen Kotlowski

Wonderfully cut with a nice color change. A few inclusions under power, but not visible with the unaided eye. This is to be expected within this rare gemstone. This was faceted by a cutter who has won cutting competions, and in one case, it was for cutting Diaspore. The photos have been color corrected to show what one sees under the appropriate lights. As a rule of thumb, this material behaves in the following manner: Office Fluorescent : Beige with Green over tones Indirect Daylight: Light to Medium Green Incandescent light: Variation of light to medium Pink Mixture of two lights: Body color is green with wonderful peach high lights internally. (trv-05-01e) Call or email for price quotes.

9.00ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, "Compass Rose" Apex Cushion, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competion Award Winner, Stephen Kotlowski . This was photographed under diffused office fluorescent light with a fiber optic light source to the left. The main body color was a nice green and the flashes, as you can see, were pink, reddish and even peach! Office Fluorescent: Yellowish Green Brinkman Fluorescent: Deep Celery Green Diffused Daylight (by a window, under a tree, etc.): Wonderful green, similar to some Tourmaline Incandescent/spot: Bronzy Pink or Peach Note that the name of this cut comes from the fact that it does not have a flat table, but has numerous facts that create a cross or compass design. This gem has some inclusions which is typical of Diaspore. The cutting hides them nicely. Like natural Alexandrite, one must typically understand the material and know that color, size, cutting, inclusions and color change are usually a tradeoff.(turk-04ac-13) (11.40 x 10.80 x 9.95mm) Contact us to learn more or for a price.

Another INCREDIBLY Brilliant, Sparkly, Eye Clean Diaspore faceted from our rough by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski . The faceting design is a Modified Princess Rectangle - but for all intensive purposes, it is a square, cut with similar facets to a Princess Cut, thereby giving it Lots of Life! This beauty weights a whopping 9.05cts. In this case, we decided to use the cameras setting to simulate different lighting conditions. It is very difficult to get accurate color photos of most gemstones that color change. Typically, the camera sees a different color than what the eye sees. The colors seen in this gem, obviously vary depending on what lights are available. We have seen a beige, smoky green, yellowish green and a champagne pink - and all variations in between! Dimensions of this piece are: 11.70x11.09x8.87mm (aldrov-06-01c)

10.90ct UK 5 Star Portuguese Round! We haven't seen a round in this material before; perhaps the most difficult shape to obtain because of the habit (shape) of the original Diaspore crystal. Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski . 14.20x9.12mm (trv-05-01g)

11.15ct UK Formee Cross Rectangle Very lively as you can see. Lots of life and a very decent green. Would describe the pink as possibly a smoky pink or dark pink champagne. Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski . 13.12x11.00x10.47mm (trv-05-01h)

11.25ct Flash Keystone A very interesting shape and play of life within the stone. The interaction of the light acts as if there are two different stones - the left side and the right side. Colors can be different on either side at the same time - have seen green on one, and pink on the other! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski . 18.47x(9.86x6.56)x8.44mm (aldrov-06-01d)

11.50cts Color Change Diaspore
Special Brilliant Cushion with Apex Crown 14.15 x 10.33 x 10.11mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner Stephen Kotlowski . (turk-04ac-11)

12.25ct UK Split Facet Emerald Cut Another wonderfully lively gemstone with a good green body color. Hard to capture the true color green and that is why we photographed this in incandescent light showing the good pink! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski . (aldrov-06-01b) 13.36x11.46x9.96mm

13.00ct Color Change Diaspore
Unique "Supreme" Rectangle 17.09 x 8.08 x 11.32mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski . (trv-05-01a)

18.80ct UK Parchesey Cushion A very large Diaspore and we believe it to be clean, like a number of other larger pieces that we have. This has a number of different colors present at one time. There are hints of orangy gold even under our office fluorescent lights. Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski . 17.32x14.84x9.50mm (aldrov-06-01a)

22.75ct Diaspore!

22.75ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Step Cut Oval, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner Stephen Kotlowski . (turk-04ac-10) 17.58x14.16x12.45mm

26.25ct Rare Color Changing Diaspore - Modified Opposed Bar Rectangle Faceted by a well known Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski

An incredibly large and clean example of the rare gemstone. Under very bright lights, one inclusion can be seen. This is to be expected within this rare gemstone. This was faceted by a cutter who has won cutting competions, and in one case, it was for cutting Diaspore. The photos have been color corrected to show what one sees under the appropriate lights. As a rule of thumb, this material behaves in the following manner: Office Fluorescent : Beige with Green over tones Indirect Daylight: Medium to Deep Green Incandescent light: Medium to Deep Pink, Red highlights Mixture of two lights: Body color is Green with wonderful Peach, Orange, Red hilights internally. (trv-05-01d)

28.51ct UK Brilliant Square; The largest Diaspore that we currents have in inventory, with the largest one being a 33+ct gem since the introducation of this material to the trade back in about 1995. At 33+cts, we had a News Release that a World Class Gemstone had found a new home - a collector/investor on the West Coast! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski . Outside Diameter: 17mm (trv-05-01f)

Diaspore Crystal segment showing 3 views. Sides have been polished to some extent. Termination is natural and untouched. Wonderful specimen showing twinning. Has depth and therefore shows a decent green in natural light. Shows color change also. Has typical rainbow patterns due to cleavage. Transparent and a fine example of a Twinned Color Changing Turkish Diaspore. 48.96cts $2,450 (Believe that a decent gemstone could be faceted from the piece)

Naturally twinned and terminated Color Changing Turkish Diaspore weighing 36.20cts. Has some depth, so there is evident color change. Two sides have been polished and it is very easy to see directly through it. The writing one sees will be removed with alcohol. $850

62.51ct Naturally Terminated Turkish Diaspore - sitting on matrix. One small section slightly polished. (right hand side of the first photo). Natural iron staining can be seen and can also be removed if desired by the new owner. $975

Diaspore Crystal segment showing 3 views. One area has been polished allowing one to see inside. 49.73cts $375

Diaspore Crystal segment showing 3 views. One area has been polished allowing one to see inside. 53.93cts $325