Sodalite var: Hackmanite Outstanding World-Class Incredibly Large Rare Orange Color Fluorescent/Tenebrescent

Here we have an exceptionally rare and truly mind-blowing faceted gem of Hackmanite, the gem variety of Sodalite, which is best known for not only its beautiful colors and transparency, but the extraordinary visual phenomenon of fluorescence and tenebrescence exhibited when the material is exposed to ultra-violet light.

Hackmanite typically fluoresces a strong hue under long wave ultra-violet light, and typically a softer hue under short-wave ultraviolet light. Afterwards exposure to UV light, the stones will intensify in color (tenebrescence). They then return to their original lighter color after a few hours in visible light or darkness. This process is 100% repeatable and in no way hurts the stone.

This particular stone is certainly the largest, finest and most remarkable Hackmanite gem that we've ever seen. I have to believe that it ranks high among faceted Hackmanite in the world for its size, but also its clarity, and most important the exceedingly rare ORANGE hue. Most Hackmanite gems you'll see on the market or some shade or blue or purple, but the strong orange color seen in this gem is almost unheard of, especially in stone weighing over 24 carats!

This stone was cut in house by Brett Kosnar in May of 2024, and we acquired the rough directly from our best gem supplier source overseas. It glows with a bright orange hue under long wave ultraviolet light, and shows a more muted yellowish tone under short wave ultraviolet light. You can see that the orange color intensifies to a strong peach-orange hue after exposure to the UV light, and it will eventually lighten back to its original orange color after a few hours or so. Yes, there are some slight inclusions, but it's easily forgivable considering the tremendous size and overall quality of such a magnificent collector's gem. I can say confidently that you're not likely to see another Hackmanite of this size and color again, and even our supplier overseas told us that it's the most impressive piece of Hackmanite rough that he has ever encountered.

The name Hackmanite dates back to the late 1890s, when a mineral was named in honor of the Finnish geologist, Victor Axel Hackman. Later analysis of the mineral showed it was actually a sulfur-bearing variety of the mineral Sodalite. The minute sulfur content in this material, along with fluorine and oxygen hole centers in the atomic structure of the material is what causes the tenebrescence (sometimes referred to as photochromism) in the material.

Sodalite is a very durable stone and that's why it is so popular among dealers and collectors alike, so you could set this gem into jewelry if you so desired.

Cut by Brett Kosnar

Item #HACKAFG2456