The facts
What dumortierite Quartz actually is
Mineralogically, dumortierite Quartz is quartz with dumortierite inclusions — SiO₂ + dumortierite inclusions, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by fine blue dumortierite inclusions (Fe/Ti in the dumortierite). That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553, and the specific gravity sits near 2.64–2.71; cleavage is none.
Where dumortierite Quartz comes from
The recognised sources are Bahia, Brazil, Madagascar and Nevada, 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 dumortierite Quartz is treated
Normally untreated. Dyed blue quartzite is a frequent substitute and can be spotted by dye concentrations in fractures.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What dumortierite Quartz is confused with
The usual confusions are Dyed quartzite, Sodalite, Lapis lazuli and Lazulite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 and specific gravity 2.64–2.71 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What dumortierite Quartz is used for
Dumortierite Quartz is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting, carving and sculpture, decorative objects 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 carat, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Dumortierite Quartz is 7 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
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 dumortierite Quartz costs
Indicative pricing for dumortierite Quartz is $1–15/ct.
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 dumortierite Quartz treated, and how?
Normally untreated. Dyed blue quartzite is a frequent substitute and can be spotted by dye concentrations in fractures.
Where does dumortierite Quartz come from?
Bahia, Brazil, Madagascar and Nevada, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is dumortierite Quartz hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 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 dumortierite Quartz cost?
Indicatively $1–15/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 dumortierite Quartz confused with?
Most often Dyed quartzite, Sodalite, Lapis lazuli and Lazulite. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 and a specific gravity near 2.64–2.71 separate it quickly.
What is dumortierite Quartz used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, 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 dumortierite quartz?
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 dumortierite quartz