Analcime Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Optics: Isotropic; N = 1.479-1.493.

Occurrence: Secondary mineral in basic igneous rocks; also in sedimentary rocks such as siltstones and sandstones. Washington, Oregon, and California (Columbia Plateau area).

Houghton County, Michigan.

New Jersey: Watchung basalt flows.

India: Deccan Plateau.

Nova Scotia: Bay of Fundy area.

Mt. Ste. Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

Also Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Australia.

Comments: Large colorless crystals of Analcime are a great rarity although small transparent crystals are abundant. Faceted gems are extremely rare and seldom seen even in large collections. The hardness is marginal for wear, but the mineral has no cleavage and should present no difficulties in cutting.

Name: From the Greek analkis, meaning weak, because of the weak electric charge analcime develops when it is rubbed.

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

View All Articles