oval mixed-cut väyrynenite - Pakistanoval mixed-cut väyrynenite - Pakistan

Väyrynenite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information


Väyrynenite is a very rare mineral. Crystals as well as faceted gemstones in reddish, pinkish, and orange colors are prized collector’s items.

1 Minute Read

HomeGemstonesVäyrynenite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Väyrynenite is a very rare mineral. Crystals as well as faceted gemstones in reddish, pinkish, and orange colors are prized collector’s items.

oval mixed-cut väyrynenite - Pakistan
Oval mixed-cut väyrynenite, 0.77 cts, 6.8 x 5.2 mm, Skardu, Pakistan. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

Start an IGS Membership today

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

Väyrynenite Value

väyrynenite crystal - Afghanistan
Gemmy väyrynenite crystal, 1.7 x 1.4 x 0.6 cm, Paprok, Nuristan, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Is Väyrynenite Rare?

First described as a unique mineral in 1954, väyrynenite (pronounced vuh-REN-i-nite or var-e-YEN-i-nite) occurs in very few locations. For a time, only Pakistan was known to produce gem-quality material. However, in 2006, reports emerged of gem-quality väyrynenites from Afghanistan.

Even with this recent discovery, väyrynenites remain exceedingly rare. Faceted gemstones are tiny, usually under 0.5 carats, and very seldom seen.

An unusually large väyrynenite, 2.96 cts, 8.3 x 6.9 mm, cushion cut, Pakistan. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

Does Väyrynenite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

You're more likely to find väyrynenites, if at all, in mineral collections than jewelry collections. With a hardness of 5 and distinct cleavage, any väyrynenite jewelry would require protective settings for protection from scratches and blows.

Reserve this rare gem for occasional wear or for earrings, brooches, or other pieces less subject to impacts.

Are There "Padparadscha Väyrynenites?"

Väyrynenites can show various shades of red, pink, and orange. Consumers may find some faceted väyrynenites for sale described as having padparadscha color, a Sinhalese word meaning "lotus colored." More often associated with padparadscha sapphires, the term is difficult to define. It may refer to colors ranging from a light to medium orange-pink hue to a more saturated orangey pink. See the IGS survey on ruby and sapphire colors for more information.

Of course, this term refers to color only. Väyrynenites and sapphires are distinct gem species with very different properties. (Perhaps some vendors use the term padparadscha to describe väyrynenites in hopes of transferring the allure of a color associated with sapphires to a very rare and little-known gem).

pear-cut väyrynenite - Afghanistan
A pear-cut, 0.25-ct väyrynenite from Afghanistan with color described as "orange pink padparadscha." Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Jasper52.

Are There Synthetic Väyrynenites?

There are no known lab-created väyrynenites or gemstone treatments for this gemstone.

Where is Väyrynenite Found?

Afghanistan and the Skardu and Chitral districts in Pakistan have produced gem-quality crystals.

Viitaniemi, Finland is the type locality for this mineral.

Other sources of crystals include the following locations:

  • Kazakhstan; Portugal; Spain; Sweden.
väyrynenites in matrix - Finland
This specimen from Finland features three rare materials: pinkish brown väyrynenites, off-white viitaniemiites, and greenish gray hurlbutites in matrix. Viitaniemi pegmatite, Erajarvi area, Orivesi, Western and Inner Finland Region. 3.3 x 2.8 x 2.2 cm. © Rob Lavinsky, mineralauctions.com. Used with permission.

How to Care for Väyrynenites

Faceted väyrynenites may contain inclusions, such as single and two-phase inclusions filled with liquids, gases, or both. Therefore, don't use ultrasonic or other mechanical cleaning systems. Instead, clean them only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water.

Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more care recommendations.

brilliant pear-cut väyrynenite - Pakistan
Brilliant pear-cut väyrynenite, 0.66 cts, 8.1 x 4.2 mm, Pakistan. © The Gem Trader. 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!