Millerite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Comments

Although massive millerite occurs abundantly at certain locations, it generates little interest from collectors. Its very low hardness (3 to 3.5) and perfect cleavage in two directions make it unsuitable for wear. Thus, as gem material for cabochons and decorative objects, it rarely appears on the market.

However, as sprays of very thin capillary or filiform crystals, millerites take on an unusual, almost organic appearance. Sometimes called "hair pyrites," these millerites indeed resemble tufts of hair growing within geodes. These millerite formations are also flexible and soft.

Identifying Characteristics

Millerites show very weak pleochroism when viewed normally in air. However, in oil, they display more strongly. They show pale yellow-brown color on the ordinary ray and bright yellow color on the extraordinary ray.

Millerite leaves a greenish black streak. Keep in mind that streak testing can destroy the test sample. Conduct this examination only as a last resort for gem identification on rough, never on a finished gem.

Synthetics

Millerite serves as an important ore for the metal nickel. Thus, scientists use synthetic millerite to study the extraction of nickel from this mineral in laboratory settings. However, jewelry use of this synthetic material is unknown.

Enhancements

None known.

Sources

Antwerp, New York produces fine sprays of acicular crystals. The Gap Mine in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania produces acicular tufts.

Halls Gap, Kentucky and Missouri yield millerites as tufts of fibers in geodes.

Timagami, Ontario, Canada produces large cleavable masses.

Other notable sources include:

• United States: Illinois; Wisconsin; Iowa.
• Czech Republic; Germany; Slovakia; United Kingdom (Wales).

Stone Sizes

From massive material, gem cutters could cut cabochons or slabs of any size.

Care

You're more likely to find millerites in gem collections than jewelry collections. See our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for care recommendations.

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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