Trapiche Emerald (superb matched pair) / Butterfly Wings - Muzo Mine, Mun. de Muzo, Boyaca Department, Colombia
Emeralds are amongst the most well-known yet elusive gems in the world. That's not to say that Emeralds are rare per se, but fine GEM quality stones are certainly much harder to find than the majority of commonly known gems. Colombia is the world's leading producer of gem quality Emeralds, but it's not only the transparent material that entices collectors. When it comes to Emeralds, the Trapiche stones stand alone in a class all their own. Here we have a superb matched pair of this classic material from the famous Muzo Trapiches featuring a two individual pieces that originally comprised a single Trapiche specimen, but were sliced and polished – almost resembling butterfly wings – while still retaining their superior fantastic hexagonal arrangement and symmetry along with top notch gem clarity and beautiful color. The optic grade gem interior is outstanding for the set, and the individual "legs" or "spokes" are incredibly sharp, distinct and well-formed. The beautiful glowing green interior shows up well even with no backlighting.
A little history -
The word "Trapiche" comes from the name of a Spanish mill consisting of wooden spokes or rollers that were designed to extract the juice from fruit, including olives, dating back to the Middle Ages. The machine was also later adapted to extract juice from sugar cane.
This term has been used for minerals since 1879 when Emile Bertrand first used it to describe Emeralds from Colombia. The dark six-sided star shaped patterns seen inside the crystals (when viewed looking down the "c" axis) are similar to the actual spokes of a trapiche machine. A Trapiche is the result of the hexagonal shape of the crystal, where the darker impurities interrupt the growth of the crystal and are pushed to the center of the crystal and then radiates out in the six directions of the corners of the crystal. Typically, it is required that crystals are sliced and polished in order to see the "legs" of the Trapiche more clearly.
Although this phenomenon is exceptionally rare around the world, in addition to Emeralds, I have personally observed these inclusions in Ruby, Sapphire and Tourmaline, so it stands to reason that there is a connection between hexagonal / trigonal mineral species and the "Trapiche" effect.
Locality: Muzo Mine, Mun. de Muzo, Vasquez-Yacopi mining district, Boyaca Department, Colombia
Size: 13 mm x 7 mm x 3.5 mm (approx. each) (thumbnail)
Weight: 4.02 carats (total weight for both pieces)
Specimen #WWMIX82102
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 2 - 5 business days
- Europe : 7 - 14 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 10 - 20 business days
- Asia Pacific : 7 - 14 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
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Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
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I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
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Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
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Mineral Classics Privacy Policy
Last updated 3 July 2022.
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You may reach me with any concerns relating to privacy at brian@minclassics.com , or by mail at my physical address PO Box 620982 Littleton, CO 80126 United States addressed to Brian Kosnar Mineral Classics.
For purposes of EU data protection law, I, Angela Kosnar, am the data controller of your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at angela@minclassics.com.
Reviews (1)
Average:
Aug 16, 2022
The seller is so wonderful to work with, going above and beyond to make my trapiche dreams come true. Thank you!
Pamela Guenther