A faceted oval rock crystal quartz weighing 21,290 cts.—almost 9.5 lbs.—was given to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) by Ed Romack and Dallas R. Hales, two noted gemstone cutters. The specimen has been placed on display in the Institute’s Mikimoto Rotunda at its world headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad, Calif.
The rough crystal originated in Brazil and weighed over 35 pounds when it was found. Romack and Hales acquired the piece during the February 2000 Tucson gem shows and trimmed it down to 21 pounds. It was then cut and polished over a five-month period, beginning in April 2002, consuming nearly 500 hours. The gem’s cut has a barion-type pavilion, with a brilliant-type crown.
Romack and Hales personally presented the gemstone to GIA President William E. Boyajian Sept. 14 at the Institute’s headquarters.
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