Earth Treasures: Zultanite

By Chisom Ibemere
Zultanite also known as Csarite is a new gemstone which was discovered in the early 1970 in Southwestern Turkey. It is named after the mine owners’ family. Its unique color-changing properties along with its rarity, have made it gain attention in the gemstone market.
Zultanite occurs in a single mine in the Anatolian Mountains of Turkey. The mine is located in an area rich in bauxite deposits and is known for producing this unique gemstone. The occurrence of zultanite is not widespread contributing to its value and desirability.
Zultanite is primarily used as a gemstone and is often faceted to showcase its color-changing properties. It is popularly used in jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, and pendants. Due to its limited availability, zultanite is considered a collectible gemstone by some enthusiasts.
Zultanite is renowned for its distinct color-changing abilities. It can exhibit different colors depending on the lighting conditions, ranging from greenish hues in daylight to reddish or purplish tones in incandescent light. It has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale and a vitreous lustre. It is transparent to translucent with a refractive index of 1.74 to 1.77.
Zultanite is considered a rare and valuable gemstone due to its unique color-changing phenomenon. The scarcity of the gemstone, along with its eye-catching appeal, has contributed to its high global value.
Similar to other gemstones, the value of zultanite is influenced by factors such as carat weight, quality, clarity, and cut. Fine-quality larger stones with the most pronounced color changes command higher prices in the market.
The demand for zultanite from jewelry collectors and enthusiasts plays a significant role in determining its global value.