Levi KeswickKey takeaways: Grandidierite is an extremely rare and valuable gemstone known for its aquamarine-blue to sea-green hues. Its unique properties make it highly sought-after among collectors, and its price per carat can be quite significant. In this article, we’ll explore grandidierite’s history, properties, and potential healing powers, as well as its price and investment potential.
Grandidierite: An Intriguing Rarity in the Gemstone World
Grandidierite, with its striking colors and unique properties, has captivated the attention of gem enthusiasts and collectors alike. Despite its rarity, this gemstone has a fascinating history and offers potential healing benefits, making it an attractive option for those seeking something different from traditional precious stones.
The Origins and Discovery of Grandidierite
Grandidierite was first discovered in 1902 by French mineralogist and geologist Alfred Lacroix in Madagascar. It was named in honor of French explorer and naturalist Alfred Grandidier, who was renowned for his extensive work on Madagascar’s geography and geological history. Grandidierite remained a rare and elusive find until the 2000s when additional deposits were discovered in Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
Grandidierite’s Unique Properties and Characteristics
Grandidierite is a magnesium aluminum borosilicate stone that exhibits pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors depending on the viewing angle. This gemstone is known for its various shades of blue, green, and blue-green. Its Mohs hardness of 7.5 and orthorhombic crystal structure add to its appeal and rarity.
Symbolism and Potential Healing Powers of Grandidierite
Although grandidierite is considered a modern gemstone and lacks an extensive history of folklore, some believe it symbolizes resilience, mental clarity, and self-confidence. Crystal healers often recommend grandidierite for blood circulation, heart health, immune system function, and infections. It is also believed to have emotional healing properties, enhancing logical thinking, relaxation, and confidence.
Evaluating Grandidierite: Factors That Influence Price
When determining the value of a grandidierite gemstone, factors such as color, cut, clarity, transparency, and carat weight are taken into consideration. The most valuable grandidierite stones exhibit saturated neon blue hues, are transparent, and have excellent clarity.
Grandidierite Price per Carat: An Investment-worthy Gemstone
The grandidierite price per carat varies significantly based on factors such as color, clarity, and transparency. Transparent to translucent faceted stones with good clarity can fetch prices between $20,000 and $26,000 per carat. In contrast, wholesale prices for grandidierite cabochons can range from as low as $5 to as high as $2,000 per carat.
Given its rarity and investment potential, those who own or are considering purchasing a grandidierite gemstone should ensure proper care to maintain its value and beauty.
Final Thoughts on the Allure of Grandidierite
Grandidierite offers a unique blend of rarity, beauty, and potential healing properties, making it a gemstone treasure for collectors and connoisseurs. Its rich history, mystique, and striking hues make it an attractive option for those seeking something truly special in the world of gemstones.
