colemanite - round brilliant cutcolemanite - round brilliant cut

Colemanite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information


Colemanite is an abundant mineral, and transparent material isn’t rare. However, gem cutters rarely facet these typically pale stones. Difficult to cut and wear, colemanites are better suited for collectors of unusual gemstones.

1 Minute Read

HomeGemstonesColemanite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Colemanite is an abundant mineral, and transparent material isn’t rare. However, gem cutters rarely facet these typically pale stones. Difficult to cut and wear, colemanites are better suited for collectors of unusual gemstones.

colemanite - round brilliant cut
Colorless, round brilliant colemanite, 0.39 cts, 5 mm, Billie Mine, Boron, California. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

Start an IGS Membership today

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

Colemanite Value

Colemanite: Boron, California (26.50). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

What is Colemanite?

Colemanite serves as an ore for boron and has many industrial uses.

Does Colemanite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Colemanite has weak dispersion, so it shows little fire, and normally occurs colorless. Since it also has perfect cleavage and a hardness of only 4.5, this fragile gem would make an unlikely choice for a jewelry stone. Ring use would require a protective setting. Other uses, such as in earrings, pendants, or brooches, would be more practical.

Colemanites have considerable heat sensitivity, so jewelers should take great care placing these gems in metal settings.

Colemanite: California (1.4). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used with permission.

Identifying Colemanites

Colemanites are both pyroelectric and piezoelectric. They generate an electric current when heated or placed under pressure, respectively.

Faceted colemanites may show facet doubling due to their birefringence.

  • shield-cut colemanite 1
  • shield-cut colemanite 2
  • shield-cut colemanite 3

    This large, eye-clean, custom shield-cut colemanite displays the facet doubling effect very nicely. 9.33 cts, 14 x 12.1 mm, Boron, California. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

    Are There Synthetic Colemanites?

    Scientists have synthesized colemanites for a variety of research projects, including studies of their electrical properties. However, there's no known jewelry use for this lab-created material.

    Colemanites don't usually receive any known gemstone treatments.

    Where are Colemanites Found?

    The southwestern United States, particularly Boron and Death Valley, California, produces beautiful colemanite crystals. Other notable sources include Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Turkey.

    colemanites - Turkey
    This crystal specimen contains gemmy, honey brown colemanites with "second generation" colorless colemanites on their edges. 5.4 x 5.0 x 3.7 cm, Kestelek Mine, Mustafa Kemalpafla, Bursa Province, Marmara Region, Turkey. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

    Stone Sizes

    Large crystals and masses could yield gems of 50-100 carats. Crystals normally range up to about 1 inch in size.

    • Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC): 14.9 (California).

    Caring for Colemanite

    Colemanites are slightly soluble in water. Don't soak these gems during cleaning. Make sure to pat them dry before storing. Clean them only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. For more care recommendations, consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide.

    colemanites rough and cut set - California
    This colemanite rough and cut set features a cluster of tabular crystals and a faceted, 2.47-ct, 8 mm gemstone. Boron, Kramer District, Kern Co., California, USA. © 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


    International Gem Society

    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!