The facts
What amblygonite actually is
Mineralogically, amblygonite is amblygonite–montebrasite series — LiAl(PO₄)F, crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by traces of Fe giving pale straw-yellow to greenish-yellow; usually very light in tone. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.611–1.637, and the specific gravity sits near 3.00–3.11; cleavage is perfect {100}, good {110}.
Where amblygonite comes from
The recognised sources are Conselheiro Pena and Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Karibib, Namibia, Montebras, Creuse, France (montebrasite type locality) and Newry, Maine, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How amblygonite is treated
Untreated. Most faceted 'amblygonite' is actually montebrasite, the hydroxyl-dominant end member — the distinction requires analysis and is usually ignored in the trade. The perfect cleavage makes it a display stone rather than a ring stone.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What amblygonite is confused with
The usual confusions are Montebrasite, Brazilianite, Yellow beryl, Scapolite and Danburite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.611–1.637 and specific gravity 3.00–3.11 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What amblygonite is used for
Amblygonite is bought by mineral collecting and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 5.5–6; cleavage perfect {100}, good {110}. 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 amblygonite costs
Indicative pricing for amblygonite is $30–$150/ct; large clean stones over 20 ct available cheaply.
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 amblygonite treated, and how?
Untreated. Most faceted 'amblygonite' is actually montebrasite, the hydroxyl-dominant end member — the distinction requires analysis and is usually ignored in the trade. The perfect cleavage makes it a display stone rather than a ring stone.
Where does amblygonite come from?
Conselheiro Pena and Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Karibib, Namibia, Montebras, Creuse, France (montebrasite type locality) and Newry, Maine, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is amblygonite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {100}, good {110} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does amblygonite cost?
Indicatively $30–$150/ct; large clean stones over 20 ct available cheaply. 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 amblygonite confused with?
Most often Montebrasite, Brazilianite, Yellow beryl, Scapolite and Danburite. A refractive index of 1.611–1.637 and a specific gravity near 3.00–3.11 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for amblygonite?
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 amblygonite