Cancrinite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

OPTICS:

o = 1.507-1.528; e = 1.495 -1.503 (cancrinite)

o = 1.490-1.507; e = 1.488 -1.495 (vishnevite)

Uniaxial (-), chlorine-rich variety (microsommite) is optically (+)

OCCURRENCE: Primarily in alkali-rich rocks; also as an alternation product of nepheline.

Iron Hill, Colorado; Kennebec County, Maine

Norway; Romania; Finland; Russia; North Korea; China; Democratic Republic of the Congo; India; Uganda; Kenya.

Bancroft District, Ontario, Canada: fine gemmy material.

COMMENTS: Cancrinite is one of the most attractive of all opaque or translucent gem materials. It is a bit too soft for average wear, but its distinctive color is worthy of jewelry. Cancrinite may be tricky to cut because it often contains numerous hard inclusions. Faceted gems even as small as 1 carat are considered great rarities.

NAME:  After Count Cancrin, Finance Minister of Russia.

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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