The facts
What achroite actually is
The species behind achroite is elbaite (tourmaline supergroup), Na(Li,Al)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄; it forms in the trigonal system.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.619–1.640 and a specific gravity of about 3.01–3.06, with indistinct cleavage.
Where achroite comes from
Commercial material comes from Elba, Italy, Minas Gerais, Brazil and Madagascar.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How achroite is treated
Genuinely colourless natural achroite is rare; much material sold under the name is heat-decolourised pale pink or green elbaite. Treatment is undetectable.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What achroite is confused with
Watch for Rock crystal, Goshenite, Colourless topaz and Glass — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.619–1.640 and specific gravity 3.01–3.06 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What achroite is used for
The trades that buy achroite are mineral collecting and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 7–7.5; cleavage indistinct. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What achroite costs
Expect roughly $20–150/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is achroite treated, and how?
Genuinely colourless natural achroite is rare; much material sold under the name is heat-decolourised pale pink or green elbaite. Treatment is undetectable.
Where does achroite come from?
Elba, Italy, Minas Gerais, Brazil and Madagascar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is achroite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does achroite cost?
Indicatively $20–150/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is achroite confused with?
Most often Rock crystal, Goshenite, Colourless topaz and Glass. A refractive index of 1.619–1.640 and a specific gravity near 3.01–3.06 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for achroite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about achroite