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Noble orthoclase
This is the name given to the somewhat rare
variety transparent orthoclase which is basically yellow in
co and usable as a gem.
Appearance The color varies from mid- to
golden yello.. It is perfectly transparent with vitreous luster.
The cut mccommonly used with this gem is the step cut. Gems
n, usually free of inclusions.
Distinctive features Noble orthoclase principally
reser bles softly colored citrine and beryl, which can only
be d~tinguished from it by their physical properties.
Occurrence It comes mainly from Madagascar,
where - is found in pegmatites.
Value Low, even compared with other secondary
gemBeing somewhat rare, however, fine specimens are sougr'
by collectors and connoisseurs.
Simulants and synthetics It is neither imitated
nor prrduced synthetically.
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