Papagoite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Cerulean blue papagoite crystals are too small for faceting. However, massive material mixed with quartz can be cabbed, while quartz crystals with papagoite inclusions make striking specimens for collectors.
Papagoite Value
The International Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering gemstone appraisal services.
Papagoite Information
| Data | Value |
| Name | Papagoite |
| Crystallography | Monoclinic; crystals tiny, flattened; usually microcrystalline coatings and aggregates, sometimes mixed with quartz. |
| Refractive Index | 1.607-1.672 |
| Colors | Cerulean blue. |
| Luster | Vitreous. |
| Hardness | 5-5.5; may be approximately 7 if silicified. |
| Specific Gravity | 3.25 if pure; may be lower (for example, 2.42 on Arizona material) if mixed with quartz. |
| Birefringence | 0.065 |
| Cleavage | Distinct on crystals; not observed on microcrystalline material. |
| Luminescence | None. |
| Transparency | Crystals translucent to transparent. Massive material and cabochons are translucent to opaque. |
| Absorption Spectrum | Bands centered at 4480, 5150, and 5550. |
| Formula | CaCuAlSi2O6(OH)3 |
| Pleochroism | Colorless to very pale greenish blue/blue/deep greenish blue. |
| Optics | a = 1.607; β = 1.641; γ = 1.672. Biaxial (-). |
| Etymology | Named after the Papago Native American tribe, now known as Tohono O’odham. |
| Occurrence | In narrow veinlets in altered granodiorite porphyry; as inclusions in quartz crystals. |
Comments
Papagoite was originally found as tiny crystals associated with blueish green ajoite in Ajo, Pima County, Arizona. This microcrystalline material isn’t cuttable. However, massive papagoite found mixed with quartz has greater hardness and wearability. It can also take a high polish, which makes it suitable for cabbing. These opaque to translucent cabs can have a vitreous luster.
In South Africa, papagoites can occur as inclusions within quartz crystals.
Identifying Characteristics
Under magnification, you can see a regular interlocking structure in massive papagoite/quartz. You may also find tiny metallic copper crystal inclusions. This type of papagoite may look like more well-known chrysocolla or turquoise gems.
Papagoites leave a light blue streak. Please note that streak testing can destroy your specimen. Never perform this test on a finished gem and only do it as a last resort to identify rough.
Synthetics
No known synthetics.
Enhancements
No known treatments.
Sources
Arizona and South Africa are the principal producers of this rare gem material. Other sources include Namibia and Slovakia.
Stone Sizes
Lapidaries can cut cabs up to several inches in length from the massive material.
Care
Clean microcrystalline specimens only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. Durable cabochons cut from massive material have no special care requirements. For more care recommendations, consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide.
