Home » Gemstones » Nepheline Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
By Andrew Silver, USGS.Materialscientist at en.wikipedia [Public domain or Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
A variety called elaeolite is red, green, brown, or gray, massive or in crystals filled with minute inclusions. These inclusions produce a sheen that yields a catseye effect in cabochons. Facetable nepheline is a great rarity, and very few gems have been cut, always in the 1-2 carat range or smaller.
Cabochons of nepheline have been cut in various sizes; crystals, especially those from Canada, can reach enormous size but are not attractive. Faceting material is extremely rare and very small.
Comments: A variety called elaeolite is red, green, brown, or gray, massive or in crystals filled with minute inclusions. These inclusions produce a sheen that yields a catseye effect in cabochons. Facetable nepheline is a great rarity, and very few gems have been cut, always in the 1-2 carat range or smaller.
Name: From a Latin word meaning cloud because it becomes cloudy when immersed in acid. Elaeolite is from a Latin Word for oil because of its greasy luster.
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