The facts
What albite actually is
The species behind albite is albite (plagioclase feldspar), NaAlSi₃O₈; it forms in the triclinic system.
Colourless; blue peristerite schiller from exsolution lamellae is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.527–1.538 and a specific gravity of about 2.60–2.65, with perfect {001}, good {010} cleavage.
Where albite comes from
Commercial material comes from Ontario and Quebec, Canada (peristerite), Minas Gerais, Brazil and Virginia, USA.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How albite is treated
Untreated. A minor gem feldspar, cut mainly for collectors and for peristerite cabochons.
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 albite is confused with
Watch for Moonstone, Oligoclase and Colourless quartz — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.527–1.538 and specific gravity 2.60–2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What albite is used for
The trades that buy albite are mineral collecting, jewellery and decorative objects. 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, by the carat or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage perfect {001}, good {010}. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What albite costs
Expect roughly $1–20/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 albite treated, and how?
Untreated. A minor gem feldspar, cut mainly for collectors and for peristerite cabochons.
Where does albite come from?
Ontario and Quebec, Canada (peristerite), Minas Gerais, Brazil and Virginia, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is albite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {001}, good {010} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does albite cost?
Indicatively $1–20/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 albite confused with?
Most often Moonstone, Oligoclase and Colourless quartz. A refractive index of 1.527–1.538 and a specific gravity near 2.60–2.65 separate it quickly.
What is albite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for albite?
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 albite