Too Good To Be True?

[batgirl777]

https://www.gemrockauctions.com/auctions/216cts-mandarin-spessartite-untreated-precision-cut-718474

Any opinions on the stone/price, the company selling it, or the auction site would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[gingercurls]

The color is definitely not what I would consider to be mandarin. If you were looking for a vibrant orange, then this might not be the best choice. To me, it looks to be a brownish red.

 

[batgirl777]

Thanks gingercurls. Any opinion on the price on the stone or other stones on this website?

 

[Bron357]

The website is just an eBay for gemstones. Various sellers are touting their wares. The seller of this gem appears reliable, he has good feedback. I don’t consider the colour to be a good representation of a mandarin spessartite but if you like it and are happy with the price, what not.

 

[chatoyancy]

I have a spessartite from Mozambique that is not red, but darker orange. It is one of my prettiest stones, but it is definitely not a mandarin. I don’t think spessartite in the mandarin color are even found in Mozambique. If you are looking for a pretty spessartite and this one appeals to you, then go for it. If you are looking specifically for a mandarin, this is not it. Look for one from Namibia. They can be a beautiful, glowing orange.

 

[Kevin Bryant]

The auction site is good I have bought rough from the owner and his son. There primary is opal but they are getting into gemstones.

 

[arkieb1]

I'd guess it will be a darker reddish brown in most lighting situations, other than that it is O.K.

 

[T L]

It's not mandarin, but a regular spessartite.

 

[batgirl777]

Thank you everyone for your input and help!