Wavellite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Wavellite is a very attractive mineral, well-known to collectors. Its radial aggregate crystal clusters can be cut into extremely interesting stones.
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Wavellite is a very attractive mineral, well-known to collectors. Its radial aggregate crystal clusters can be cut into extremely interesting stones.
Wavellite Crystals and Gem Cutting
Since wavellite's radiating crystal clusters can splinter, they make it a very difficult gem to cut. The individual crystals in the clusters are very small. Gem cutters can fashion cabochons as well as freeform shapes from this material. However, any faceted gems would be a tremendous rarity.
Synthetics
No known synthetics or enhancements.
Where are Wavellites Found?
Hot Springs, Arkansas produces wavellites in fine, spherical and radial groups of acicular crystals.
The type locality, High Down Quarry, Devon, England, also produces excellent specimens.
Other gem-quality sources include the following:
- United States: Alabama; California; Colorado; Florida; Chester County, Pennsylvania.
- Tasmania, Australia; Bolivia; Bulgaria; Czech Republic; France; Germany; Ireland; Portugal; Romania; Slovakia.
Stone Sizes
Lapidaries can cut cabochons up to several inches in length from Arkansas material. No faceted gems have been reported, yet.
Caring for Wavellite Jewelry
Wavellite has a relatively low hardness (3.5 to 4) and perfect cleavage, so gems for jewelry pieces such as rings need protective settings. Pendants and earrings would make excellent choices for this material. However, you're more likely to encounter these stones in gem collections than jewelry collections.
Store these gems separately from other harder stones to avoid contact scratches. For cleaning, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more 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
International Gem Society
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