Weloganite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Does Weloganite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Discovered in 1966 in the Francon quarry in Montreal, Quebec, weloganite is a very rare strontium zirconium carbonate mineral. To date, the only known gem-quality material has come from this now closed site.

Although this transparent to translucent gemstone can show attractive, pale yellow colors, it has perfect cleavage and a hardness of just 3.5. Any stones worn as jewelry would be very susceptible to cracks and scratches. Protective settings and occasional wear would be advisable.

You're more likely to find any rare, faceted weloganites in mineral collections or museums than jewelry collections.

Identifying Characteristics

Weloganites are pyroelectric. When heated, they generate an electrical charge.

Some weloganites may also have triboluminescence. When rubbed or broken, they may show blue light.

Are There Synthetic Weloganites?

There are no known synthetic weloganites or enhancements for these gems.

Where is Weloganite Found?

Aside from the type locality, weloganites occur in theLafarge Montreal East quarry, also in Montreal, thePoudrette quarry in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, theDemix-Varennes quarry in Varennes and St-Amable, Quebec, and theEden Lake Complex in Manitoba.

Outside of Canada, the only known source of weloganites is thePilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex in North West province, South Africa.

Stone Sizes

Gem cutters have faceted clean, yellowish stones, usually under ½ carat.

National Museums of Canada (Ottawa, Ontario): 4.27 (light greyish yellow); 0.52 (light yellow).

How to Care for Weloganites

Store weloganites separately from other harder stones to avoid contact scratches. Clean weloganites with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. See our gemstone jewelry care 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

View All Articles

International Gem Society

View All Articles