Pale Pink Diaspore from Afghanistan

Pale pink with a soft violet cast, this rough diaspore from Afghanistan has a flat, irregular plate-like form and an angular outline. The color deepens from the center toward the lower portion, while its translucency reveals a complex interior—suggestive of a fragment of pale pink ice.

Fine lines mark the surface, and the upper face catches a strong reflection. Soft light from the side offers a way to explore both the surface markings and the contrast between reflected light and the view within.

Joun selected this piece because diaspore felt like an unfamiliar find in his usual encounters with minerals. He notes that, seen at dusk, it can appear reddish in a way that reminds him of ruby. This is a personal impression of its appearance in that light, rather than a fixed description of its color.

Diaspore is an aluminium oxide hydroxide mineral with perfect cleavage. Although relatively hard, it can split along that cleavage, so this thin, plate-like piece calls for careful handling.

Keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid washing it with water. When not on display, store it carefully in a dark place, such as a drawer.