Lapidaries have cut translucent (not truly transparent) faceted stones up to several carats in size from Italian material.
Synthetics
Researchers have synthesized xonotlite via the hydrothermal method. The synthetic material has been used in powder form for industrial purposes, such as absorption, insulation, and pigment extension. However, no jewelry use for this material is known.
Although xonotlite crystals can take acicular (needle-like) forms, like these specimens from Vicenza, Veneto, Italy, this material usually occurs as fibrous masses. Researchers who synthesize this mineral take particular interest in this fibrous property. Photo by Aangelo. Licensed under CC By-SA 3.0.
Enhancements
None known.
Sources
Mexico and the Vicenza region of Italy have produced gem-quality, facetable material.
United States: California; Michigan; Puerto Rico; Virginia.
Canada; Japan; South Africa.
Care
Despite a mid-range hardness (6), xonotlites have greater resistance to blows than many jewelry gemstones. They have a “tough” tenacity, while most gemstones only rank as “brittle.” Nevertheless, you’re more likely to find these stones in mineral collections than in jewelry collections. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for care recommendations.