Gem Profile- Zultanite

by Judy Ellis

Zultanite; A Rare and Beautiful Gem.

What is Zultanite:

Zultanite is an aluminum oxide hydroxide AIO(OH) mineral from the diaspore group. These minerals form as metamorphic sedimentary ores in bauxite, the mineral mined for aluminum. Though diaspore was first found in the 1800's, it's never been commercially mined until recently, with the material coming from a single mine in Turkey. It is currently the only source of Zultanite in the world

Why is it so unique?

Zultanite stands out in the gem world for its color-changing properties.

Unlike most gems that flash colors through fire, Zultanite shifts hues based on light.

In sunlight, it shows kiwi green with flashes of yellow and blue.

Indoors, it turns olive or peridot green with pink and gold flashes.

Under candlelight, it deepens to pink with brown, olive green, and raspberry tones.

Zultanite gemstone. Photo credit International Colored Gemstone Association.

Zultanite shows chatoyancy, or cat's eye effect, when cut en cabochon.

This makes its color-changing properties even more spectacular.

Stones come from eye-clean crystals and are never enhanced.

Zultanite ranks among the most beautiful, natural stones on the market.

Cat's Eye Zultanite gemstone. Photo credit International Colored Gemstone Association.

Why is it rare?

Zultanite ranks among the market's most beautiful and rare stones.

Only 50% of mined crystals suit faceting. Of those, just a fraction qualify as gem quality.

This stems from its orthorhombic crystal structure with definite cleavage.

Lapidary yield is only 2%. That means 98% becomes waste due to micro-crystal orientation, abundant inclusions, and breakage during cutting.

Most gems yield 30 to 50% by comparison.

Zultanite Mining:

Mining Zultanite is challenging.

The mine sits in Turkey's Anatolian Mountains, nearly 4,000 feet above sea level.

Miners live onsite. They use air hammers and headlamp light to chisel crystals from rock.

Zultanite crystals hide in soft layers between harder bauxite. They must be dug out after location.

Zultanite has a Mohs hardness of 7 and refractive index of 1.7 to 1.8.

Zultanite miners and Zultanite before mining. Photos credit Zultgems.

The mine owner named Zultanite after the 36 Sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

Only stones from the Millenyum Mine can use the trade name Zultanite.

Other regional diaspore shows color change, but none match the Millenyum Mine's.

This mine is a "green" operation. Miners plant 10 trees for every one used. They receive full insurance and above-average wages.

The Millenyum Mining Company supports nearby village schools with materials and maintenance.

Mine owners advise buying from reputable dealers, not in Turkey. Some vendors sell color-changing glass at inflated prices to tourists.

Zultanite Beauty:

Zultanite impacts the gem world with its color change, scarcity, and beauty.

Found in only one small global area, it joins gems like tanzanite and larimar.

Both are beautiful and very rare.

Zultanite gemstone. Photo credit International Colored Gemstone Association.

Gem Profile- Zultanite

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