step-cut ludlamite - Idahostep-cut ludlamite - Idaho

Ludlamite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information


Ludlamite has a lovely green color, but cut stones are extremely rare. Large crystals of this phosphate mineral are known from only a few localities.

1 Minute Read

HomeGemstonesLudlamite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Ludlamite has a lovely green color, but cut stones are extremely rare. Large crystals of this phosphate mineral are known from only a few localities.

step-cut ludlamite - Idaho
Freeform step-cut ludlamite, 1.35 cts, 9 x 6.7 mm, Blackbird Mine, Salmon, Lehmi Co., Idaho. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

Start an IGS Membership today

for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).

Ludlamite Value

ludlamites on quartz - Cornwall
Gemmy ludlamites on quartz, 7.2 x 4.7 x 4.7 cm, Wheal Jane, Baldhu, Gwennap area, Camborne - Redruth - St Day District, Cornwall, England, UK. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Does Ludlamite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

In addition to beautiful color, ludlamites can show great brightness when faceted into gemstones. Unfortunately, this mineral occurs very rarely and even more rarely in cuttable sizes. They also have a hardness of only 3.5 and perfect cleavage. This makes ludlamite difficult to cut and impractical to wear as a jewelry stone. As a ring stone, it would need a protective setting and would be best reserved for occasional wear only. Use for earrings, pendants, and brooches would be more advisable.

However, you're more likely to find ludlamites in mineral collections, if at all, than in jewelry collections.

shield-cut ludlamite - Idaho
Shield-cut ludlamite, 0.26 cts, 5.2 x 2.7 mm, Blackbird Mine, Lemhi Co., Idaho. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

Distinguishing Ludlamites from Vivianites

Chemically similar, vivianite can occur in the same sources as ludlamite. When exposed to light, colorless and pale green vivianites can turn dark green as well as blue. Thus, some of these stones may look alike. Nevertheless, gemologists can distinguish them with some basic tests.

Ludlamites have a higher refractive index and specific gravity (1.650-1.697 and 3.19) than vivianites (1.569-1.675 and 2.64-2.68). Vivianites can also show dramatic pleochroic colors, but ludlamites have no pleochroism.

These gems also have different physical properties. Vivianites have a much lower hardness (1.5 to 2) than ludlamites. Vivianites also have a streak that can range from colorless to blue. Ludlamites have a pale, greenish white streak. However, scratch and streak testing are not recommended for finished gems.

Both gems are rarely cut, but vivianite is cut far less often than ludlamite.

Are There Any Synthetic or Treated Ludlamites?

There are no known lab-created ludlamites. These gems usually receive no treatments or enhancements.

Ludlamite Sources

The most celebrated source for gem-quality ludlamite, Blackbird Mine, Lemhi County, Idaho produces fine crystals up to a ½ inch across.

Other notable sources include the following:

  • United State: New Hampshire; South Dakota (crystalline masses to 12 inches in diameter with 7 mm crystals at Keystone).
  • Bolivia; Brazil; Cornwall, England; Hagendorf, Germany; Mexico.
ludlamites - Mexico
Cluster of ludlamites, 3.0 x 2.6 x 1.7 cm, San Antonio Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Ludlamite Gem Sizes

Transparent ludlamite material is always small. The potential may exist for cutting 5-10 carat gems, but most finished stones usually range from 1 to 2 carats or smaller.

How to Care for Ludlamites

Avoid cleaning ludlamites with mechanical cleaning systems, like steam and ultrasound. Clean these gemstones only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more care recommendations.

ludlamite - Idaho
Ludlamite: Idaho (~0.5). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.

Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com


International Gem Society

Related Articles

More Articles
Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Black is a color that can say a lot. Wearing black diamond jewelry communicates a sense of unique strength and...
Read More
Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information1.50-ct diamond</a> usually has a pleasing, gentle Fancy Gray-Yellowish Green color, but looks completely different if you leave it in your jewelry box for a few weeks." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Professionals will tell you never to trust a trade name used to describe the appearance of a fancy colored diamond....
Read More
Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Diamonds with a pure gray hue are a rare treasure indeed. More often, gray is mixed with blue or violet...
Read More
Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information1.40 Fancy Intense Yellowish Green gem</a> are rare treasures. " src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Green diamonds are the oddballs of the fancy colored diamond varieties. Their rare color is usually the result of damage...
Read More

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/ludlamite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/ludlamite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/ludlamite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!