Zultanite: The New-Age Gemstone

Zultanite is the new luxury on the gemstone block, rocking the collector’s box in style. It was first cut in the 70s, but continued to lay low in the gemstone market, owing to its rarity and high cost of manufacturing. Zultanite gemstone is now manufactured and marketed through Zultanite Gems LLC, which has the sole right over the only known mine in the world. It is located in the Turkish valley at a height of 1000 metres.
Zultanite is now a registered trade name given to the new-age colour changing gemstone similar to diaspore.

Why is it called Zultanite?

Owing to its origin, Zultanite is named to commemorate the rich history of the Ottoman Turks. The name is derived from the word “Sultan”, meaning king in Persian language.  It is the trade name for Diaspore mineral.

What is diaspora?

Diaspore, also called diasporite, tanatarite and kayserite in the market, is the only related mineral to Zultanite. In terms of composition, diaspore is an orthorhombic crystal made of aluminium oxide hydroxide with lamellar and scaly inclusions. Gem-quality diasporite is mined from Slovakia. It is a relatively hard structure with Mohs Scal value of 6.5.  It is identified from its pearly lustre that turns into white scales on being exposed to high temperature. It is mined from limestone quarries, where it occurs as isomorphic form of emery and corundum. It is often considered as a suitable ore of aluminium, but reserved instead exclusively for gemstones manufacturing.

Zultanite pricing:

In top-grade markets, zultanite is priced at $600 and above per carat. Bigger crystals are priced at $5000 per carat and above. The pricing differs based on the intensity of colour variation and the way it is cut. Cabochon and Princess-cut diasporite zultanite fetch the highest bidding price from the market.

Speciality of zultanite:

Why is zultanite considered the best gemstone in the market? For one reason for sure… it is tagged as the Gemstone chameleon by leading sellers. It is available in more than 10 contrasting varieties, ranging from olive green to flashes of canary yellow. When it comes to choosing a colour, you have your hands full. There is one zultanite for every occasion—a candle light dinner, a cave escapade, a swimming pool party, and even your anniversary!

1.  Colour changing gemstone:

Like Alexandrite, garnet, fluorite and sapphire, zultanite gemstone is known for its multiple colour varieties, appearing casually in a single crystal. Darker the tone, higher will be the price. Larger Zultanites have darker play of colours, with intense, contrasting varieties.

2.  Usability and assurance:

Zultanite is a daily-wear gemstone, hardly affected by the corrosive action of the environment, acid and work. However, it could get scratched or fractured under intense pressure. Steaming and ultrasonic cleaning of the gemstone are not recommended.

Every zultanite comes with a guarantee card carrying every detail related to its origin, the date of mining, enhancement done and colour statistics.

Today, zultanite is rapidly turning into a celebrity gemstone owing to its compatibility with every complexion, personality and styling.