Transparent faceted sillimanite from India.

The article describes a transparent faceted sillimanite discovered in the Vishakhapatnam region of Andra Pradesh, India presented at the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) show by Anil B. Dholakia Inc. The stones all have checkerboard cuts with various colors ranging from greenish yellow, near colorless, grayish green, green-brown, brownish orange-yellow and violetish gray. Several samples were examined by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Three largest stones were selected which are of yellow-green and yellow and grayish green in color. Based on microscopic examination, the two yellow-green stones contained parallel iridescent needles while the greenish yellow stone contained fine whitish parallel needles.