The facts
What antigorite actually is
Mineralogically, antigorite is serpentine subgroup — Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by fe²⁺ and Ni give the green; opacity from magnetite and chromite inclusions. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.555–1.570, and the specific gravity sits near 2.55–2.60; cleavage is perfect basal.
Where antigorite comes from
The recognised sources are Valmalenco, Lombardy, Italy, Zhashui, Shaanxi, China and Rhode Island, 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 antigorite is treated
Frequently waxed or resin-impregnated and often dyed to imitate jadeite; dye sits in fractures and is visible under magnification. Sold as 'new jade' and 'Korean jade' — both misnomers.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What antigorite is confused with
The usual confusions are Jadeite, Nephrite, Bowenite and Chrysoprase.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.555–1.570 and specific gravity 2.55–2.60 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What antigorite is used for
Antigorite is bought by carving and sculpture, decorative objects, jewellery and architecture and interiors — 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 block, by the piece or by the carat.
Durability and care
Antigorite is 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale, with perfect basal cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What antigorite costs
Indicative pricing for antigorite is 2–20 USD/kg rough; carvings 20–500 USD.
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 antigorite treated, and how?
Frequently waxed or resin-impregnated and often dyed to imitate jadeite; dye sits in fractures and is visible under magnification. Sold as 'new jade' and 'Korean jade' — both misnomers.
Where does antigorite come from?
Valmalenco, Lombardy, Italy, Zhashui, Shaanxi, China and Rhode Island, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is antigorite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does antigorite cost?
Indicatively 2–20 USD/kg rough; carvings 20–500 USD. 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 antigorite confused with?
Most often Jadeite, Nephrite, Bowenite and Chrysoprase. A refractive index of 1.555–1.570 and a specific gravity near 2.55–2.60 separate it quickly.
What is antigorite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for antigorite?
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 antigorite