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.

1 Minute Read

HomeGemstonesWavellite 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.

Wavellite pendant by Lexi Erickson. Photo: Jim Lawson. Originally appeared in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, December 2011. Used by permission of the publisher.

Start an IGS Membership today

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

Wavellite Value

Wavellites - Yellow stone, Arkansas
A cluster of spherical wavellites, 6.0 x 5.5 x 3.9 cm, Saline Co., Arkansas, USA. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

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.

wavellite - acicular radiating crystals
This striking specimen displays massed, acicular (needle-like) wavellite crystals radiating from the center of the stone. You can also see how one "ball" of wavellite grew around another. 3.4 x 2.0 x 1.1 cm, Avant Mine, Avant, Garland Co., Arkansas, USA. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

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.
wavellites - Avant Mine, Arkansas
Wavellites, 10.1 x 5.5 x 5.8 cm, Avant Mine, Garland County, Arkansas, USA. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

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.

wavellite - Chester County, PA
Wavellite specimen, collected by G. M. Baker, 1984, from Chester County, Pennsylvania. Mineral collection of Brigham Young University, Department of Geology, Provo, Utah. Photo by Andrew Silver. Public Domain.

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!