Green orthoclase feldspar from Vietnam

Abstract

In July 2005, these contributors received some interesting transparent "emerald" green samples that were reported to be amazonite from a new find in Vietnam. Five faceted stones were loaned and several pieces of rough were donated to GIA by Bill Larson (Pala International, Fallbrook, California). According to his supplier, Son T. Ta (I.T.C. International Trade Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), they were mined from a pegmatite near Minh Tien, about 15 km south of Luc Yen in Yen Bai Province. This area is also known to produce transparent green fluorite, which when cobbed is similar in appearance to gem-quality orthoclase.

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