Grandidierite Meaning and Properties
Grandidierite History
Discovered in southern Madagascar, grandidierite was named in honor of notable French naturalist and explorer, Alfred Grandidier. Grandidier reported the first samples in 1902. Grandidierite is a relatively rare mineral. While found in several areas, supply is very small and quickly depleted. It is the third most expensive gemstone in the world. Due to its rarity, it is not often found as gems or in jewelry. The transparent gemstones are rarely faceted, but are often cut into cabochons. Since its first reported discovery in Madagascar, it has also been found in New Zealand, Norway, Suriname, Algeria, Italy, Malawi, India, the United States, Canada, Antarctica, the Czech Republic and few other locations.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Grandidierite?
Due to its incredible rareness, there are many understandings of grandidierite meaning that remain to be discovered. Some information discusses the connection of its blue-green hue and a possible influence on two chakras . Grandidierite may influence the throat chakra which is light blue and the heart chakra which is green. For grandidierite gems with a more dominant blue hue, they may mainly influence the throat chakra, helping with communication. A dominate green hue is said to influence the heart to be more open to giving and receiving love.
What is Grandidierite Made From?
Grandidierite's blue-green ranges in depth and hue. Grandidierite with a greater iron content has a greener hue. It is translucent with a vitreous, pearly luster and often resembles blue apatite , kornerupine, or Paraíba tourmaline. It is an orthorhombic-dipyramidal borosilicate mineral containing aluminum, boron, iron, magnesium, oxygen and silicon. South Madagascar is currently the only source producing the highest quality gemstones.
- Mineral Information: The Mg analogue of ominelite; Chemically close to kornerupine; Crystals (chlorapatite, monazite, zircon); two phase inclusions (vapor/liquid); needle-like channels, parallel growth planes.
- Chemical Composition: (Mg,Fe)Al3BSiO9
- Color: Blue-green
- Hardness: 7-1/2 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.85 – 3.00
- Refractive Index: 1.583 – 1.639
How Do You Clean Grandidierite?
Grandidierite is durable enough (7-1/2 on the Mohs scale) to be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Avoid the use of bleach and other harsh household cleaners and be sure to rinse your stones well to ensure all soapy residues are removed.
Grandidierite FAQ
Q: How rare is grandidierite?
A: High quality grandidierite is rare, coming only from Madagascar, although other locations have also been discovered to bear the silky blue-green gemstone.
Q: Is grandidierite a birthstone?
A: Although grandidierite is not a traditional birthstone , it can be used as an alternate for aquamarine (March) or turquoise (December).
Q: Why is grandidierite so expensive?
A: Because of its rarity—with high quality stones coming from a single location with a limited supply—grandidierite is the third most expensive gemstone on the market.
Q: Is grandidierite treated or enhanced?
A: Grandidierite is usually natural and untreated, further enhancing its value.
Designing with Grandidierite
The blue-green hue of grandidierite is easily paired with silver, gold or rose gold metals. The translucent shade of the gemstone adds intricate color depth to bring life to jewelry customizations without overwhelming designs. Its durability allows for versatility in jewelry or accessory -making for men and women. It can be used for traditional jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings or more complex pieces.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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