Altiniams
Altiniams are a rare and highly prized category of natural gemstones that exhibit a unique combination of optical properties, including both chatoyancy (a shifting band of light) and asterism (a star-like pattern). The name "altiniam" is not a widely recognized term in the gemological community but is sometimes used colloquially or in specialized literature to describe stones that display both phenomena simultaneously.
The most commonly associated mineral with this description is **sunstone**, a variety of feldspar that typically
The chatoyant effect in altiniams arises from elongated mineral inclusions or structural features that reflect light
Altiniams are typically cut in cabochon form to maximize their optical effects. Due to their rarity, they
While not a formally classified gemstone category, the term "altiniam" highlights the fascination with stones that