Carmeltazite: A Unique, New Gemstone
It’s not everyday that someone discovers a new gemstone, but that’s exactly what happened in 2019 when Israeli mining company, Shefa Yamim, discovered a mineral, previously known only to exist in rocks from outer space, in the Mount Carmel region of Israel. The new gem is named Carmeltazite after the location where it was found and the names of its major components, which are titanium, aluminum and zirconium.
Image from Shefa Gems gallery
Described by the Times of Israel as a “milky mix of dark and light blues”, carmeltazite , which is similar to rubies and sapphires in its chemical composition and appearance, but also quite distinct from them, is truly breathtaking. It’s also rare, according to Shefa Yamim, which plans to market the new mineral as ‘Carmel sapphire”. Carmel sapphire has already been recognized and approved as a new mineral by the International Mineralogical Association (“IMA”) Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification and Shefa Yamim claims that it has already received a trademark from the Israeli Government to market the stone.
What’s more, as it’s not clear just how large the deposits of carmeltazite are, Forbes.com reported that the new gem could even be more valuable than diamonds, since the price of gemstones are usually based on their rarity. Indeed Shefa Yamim has already collaborated with well-known jewelry designer, Yossi Harari, to create jewelry pieces with the gemstone.
Fortunately, you don’t have to possess carmeltazite to have beautiful jewelry. There are many gorgeous gemstone options, styles, designs, and metals that you can use to create stunning jewelry pieces. You can even have a custom piece made with recycled or sentimental gold. Plus, with custom jewelry you can customize a design to fit any gemstone; we first scan it and then design the jewelry to conform to the gemstone’s shape and fit around it. When you’re ready to get your own piece of customized jewelry, click the button below, tell us what you want and we’ll get started!
