Xonotlite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Xonotlite is strong and can take a good polish. However, these gems are extremely rare, both as a species and cut specimens.

Home GemstonesXonotlite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

By Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA, International Gem Society

Xonotlite is strong and can take a good polish. However, these gems are extremely rare, both as a species and cut specimens.

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Xonotlite Value

xonotlites, selenite, and inesite — "Like a fly trapped in amber," notes Rob Lavinsky, an ivory-colored xonotlite sphere lies within a layer of selenite. Other xonotlites and a red inesite appear on the surface. Xonotlites, selenite, and inesite, 4.8 x 4.2 x 2.2 cm, Wessel's Mine, Kalahari Manganese Fields, South Africa. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Does Xonotlite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Despite a mid-range hardness (6), which makes xonotlites somewhat vulnerable to scratches, these gems have greater resistance to blows than most jewelry stones. They have a "tough" tenacity, while most gemstones only rank as "brittle." Nevertheless, you're more likely to find these stones in mineral collections than in jewelry collections.

Lapidaries have cut translucent (not truly transparent) faceted stones up to several carats in size from Italian material.

Are There Synthetic Xonotlites?

Researchers have synthesized xonotlite via the hydrothermal method. The synthetic material has been used in powder form for industrial purposes, such as absorption, insulation, and pigment extension. However, no jewelry use for this material is known.

There are no known treatments or enhancements for xonotlites.

xonotlites - fibrous mass, Italy — Although xonotlite crystals can take acicular (needle-like) forms, like these specimens from Vicenza, Veneto, Italy, this material usually occurs as fibrous masses. Researchers who synthesize this mineral take particular interest in this fibrous property. Photo by Aangelo. Licensed under CC By-SA 3.0.

Where is Xonotlite Found?

Mexico and the Vicenza region of Italy have produced gem-quality, facetable material.

Tetela de Xonotla, Mexico.
Laghi di Posina, Vicenza, Italy.

emerald-cut xonotlite - Italy — Emerald-cut xonotlite (about 2 carats): Laghi di Posina, Vicenza, Italy. Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Other notable sources include the following:

United States: California; Michigan; Puerto Rico; Virginia.
Canada; Japan; South Africa.

Caring for Xonotlites

Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for care recommendations.

xonotlite -South Africa — The "broken" sphere of one of the xonotlite crystals in this specimen shows how this gem's acicular crystal formations create these spherical aggregates. Wessel's Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. 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

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