Sonoranite Jewelry – New Gemstone Found in AZ
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Amongst the many articles I read today was one about a new gemstone discovered – of all places – right in my home state.
A family that had been mining for gold in an abandoned shaft in the Four Peaks area came across a rock they couldn’t identify.
Turns out the reason for it’s mystery identity was because it had never been found before!
It was given the name “Sonoranite” because of its proximity to the Sonoran desert which covers much of the lower half of Arizona.
In its natural, rough state it’s not exactly stunning but it already has its own website and Etsy shop.
If this image is truly a polished Sonoranite gem it’s certainly very pretty!
The website shows there are (or plans for) necklaces, rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and raw stones and even cut slabs (whoa!).
While there are no jewelry items in stock there are examples of several items and they are beautiful – but incredibly expensive.
Maybe the site is so new that it’s just bookmarking fields but it shows a pair of earrings for nearly $24,000. There’s no description so perhaps the accent stones are diamonds which would explain the price but it will be interesting to see how things play out!
The catalog shows a large number of cabachons for sale and a 15x20mm oval on sale for $360.00 (normally $720). These are ideal for collectors and jewelry designers, I’m sure.
Also according to the official website, the stone is infused with other precious metals including gold, silver, and copper which may explain the color variations and value.
From samples I’ve seen there are lots of blue, green and grey tones with streaks of white.
The gem is currently on display at the 22nd St Gem Show in Tucson, AZ (booth L5).
Sonoranite History
Just how new is sonoranite? While the news announcing its existence seemed to be broadly disseminated in early February 2020 the official website says that it took 8 years to bring it to the surface so “new” may be a relative term in this case.
Tucson news reports that the finder, John Hornewer, had started working an abandoned mine to find gold. While crushing some rock from the mine 8 years ago he made the unique discovery.
In fact, records show that a trademark for “sonoranite” was filed in the middle of 2018, the website was registered in 2018, and the Facebook page for the new stone was created in early 2019.
The GIA has already inspected samples and confirmed that it was a new find. Sonoranite has been given a Mohs rating of 7-8 which makes it as hardy as quartz and topaz and suitable for jewelry.
As sonoranite made its public debut at the currently running gem show in Tucson it explains why we’re suddenly hearing more about it.
Only when polished can you see that it looks as if you can peer inside its layers and see the variety of colors.
It’s only a matter of time before sonoranite jewelry will be more widely available online – and I can hardly wait!
Donna White
That is an amazing discovery. Very interesting. Thanks!