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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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.
No known synthetics or enhancements.
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:
Lapidaries can cut cabochons up to several inches in length from Arkansas material. No faceted gems have been reported, yet.
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.
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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.
No known synthetics or enhancements.
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:
Lapidaries can cut cabochons up to several inches in length from Arkansas material. No faceted gems have been reported, yet.
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 is a very attractive mineral, well-known to collectors. Its radial aggregate crystal clusters can be cut into extremely interesting stones.
