Grandidierite
Meaning and Properties
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 3rd 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 and often cut into cabochons. Since its first reported discovery in Madagascar, it has also been reported in New Zealand, Norway, Suriname, Algeria, Italy, Malawi, India, the United States, Canada, Antarctica, the Czech Republic, and few other locations.
Metaphysical Properties
Due to its incredible rareness, there are many understandings of grandidierite metaphysical properties 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 influence the throat chakra, helping with communication. A dominate green hue influences the heart to be more open to giving and receiving love.
Geological Properties
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 paraiba 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.
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Proper Care of Grandidierite
Grandidierite is durable enough (7.5 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.
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.
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**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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