Shape: Cushion Precision Cut
Clarity: SI
Luster: Excellent
Origin: Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan

Hackmanite is a rare variety of the mineral sodalite. It contains trace amounts of sulfur, which causes the

color of the stone to change after exposure to light. In gemological terms, this phenomenon is referred to

as tenebrescence or reverse photochromism. Microscopic examination of this stone reveals naturally

healed fractures and transparent crystals, which prove the stone formed naturally.

Hackmanite can be found in several countries, including Canada, USA, Brazil, Russia, Greenland, Myanmar

and Afghanistan. The mineral is often encountered as very small crystals or as translucent to opaque

aggregates, often intergrown with other minerals. Rough crystals that will cut large stones are occasionally

found but are scarce. Very fine, gem-quality hackmanites that combine good transparency, fine color and

show strong tenebrescence are considered very rare.

The combination of large size and fine color make this stone a notable gemstone.