First discovered in Mramorskoi, Kossoibrod, the Ural Mountains, Russia in 1801, Diaspore is a relatively scarce gemstone that despite its beauty and suitability for jewelry is plagued by scant availability, particularly in better qualities. Not faceted until the 1970’s, this beautiful gem has had its reputation tarnished by independent miners marketing poorly faceted low quality gems that do not maximize its color change.

Also known as Empholite, Kayserite and Tanatarite, Diaspore has recently been branded Zultanite, in honor of the 36 sultans who founded the Ottoman Empire in Anatolia in the late 13th century.

Diaspore comes from the Greek word “Diaspora” meaning “to scatter” because it cracks when exposed to extreme heat.

Some people believe Diaspore can assist in the development of psychic power, astral force, ambition, intellect, desire and emotions based on intellect and touch.

Diaspore is a transparent gem that comes in yellow, green, brown, pink or red and darker red with a higher Manganese content.

Similar to Alexandrite, the color change variety of Chrysoberyl, Diaspore can display the color change effect. In daylight its color appears greenish yellow to brownish green while in incandescent light (or at night) it is brownish pink to pink.

Diaspore possesses a perfect cleavage that makes it difficult to facet. As up to 90% of the rough can be lost during cutting, it is critical that the cutter orients the rough to minimize its perfect cleavage but not at the expense of incorrectly positioning the color change.

Today, Diaspore is mined in Turkey in the Milas county of Muğla near the village of Selimiye. It first began appearing in the mid 1980’s and while an article in Gems & Gemology magazine (winter 1994) indicated that supplies were promising, this hasn’t translated into the greater availability of good quality gems. While it was initially only collected by mineral enthusiasts and independent miners, at least one mine is now in operation. At a height of over 4,000 feet, this mine is 7 miles away from the nearest village and currently extracts Diaspore by hand, using chisels and pick-axes.