Linarite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Streak: Pale blue.

Optics:  a = 1.809; β= 1.838, γ= 1.859.

Biaxial (-), 2V= 80°.

Occurrence: Secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of lead-copper deposits.

Blanchard Mine, Socorro County, New Mexico: California: Montana: Utah: Idaho: Nevada.

England: Scotland; Spain: Germany: Sardinia: Russia: Canada: Argentina: Peru: Chile: Japan: Australia: Tsumeb, Namibia.

Mammoth Mine, Tiger, Arizona: large crystals of fine color.

Grand Reef, Arizona: large crystals, some cuttable.

Comments: The blue color of linarite is magnificent, and it is a pity that large facetable rough has not been found. Clean areas of crystals are usually very small, and breakage in cutting due to the softness and cleavage of the mineral further complicates the salvaging of a large gem. This is a lovely collector item and an extremely rare one.

Name: After the locality, Linares, Spain.

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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