The facts
What boleite actually is
Mineralogically, boleite is boleite — KPb₂₆Ag₉Cu₂₄Cl₆₂(OH)₄₈, crystallising in the cubic (pseudocubic) system.
The colour is caused by cu²⁺ in a complex lead-silver chloride hydroxide, giving deep indigo blue. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 2.03–2.05, and the specific gravity sits near 4.8–5.1; cleavage is perfect {001}, good {101}.
Where boleite comes from
The recognised sources are Amelia Mine, Santa Rosalía (Boleo), Baja California Sur, Mexico, Mammoth-St Anthony Mine, Tiger, Arizona, USA and Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.
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 boleite is treated
Untreated. The deep blue pseudocubic crystals from Boleo are among the most sought-after micromounts in the hobby; larger crystals are rare and expensive. Related species pseudoboleite and cumengeite commonly overgrow it.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What boleite is confused with
The usual confusions are Pseudoboleite, Cumengeite, Azurite and Linarite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.03–2.05 and specific gravity 4.8–5.1 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What boleite is used for
Boleite is bought by mineral collecting — 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.
Durability and care
Boleite is 3–3.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {001}, good {101} 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 boleite costs
Indicative pricing for boleite is Micromounts $30–$300; fine thumbnail and cabinet crystals $300–$10,000.
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 boleite treated, and how?
Untreated. The deep blue pseudocubic crystals from Boleo are among the most sought-after micromounts in the hobby; larger crystals are rare and expensive. Related species pseudoboleite and cumengeite commonly overgrow it.
Where does boleite come from?
Amelia Mine, Santa Rosalía (Boleo), Baja California Sur, Mexico, Mammoth-St Anthony Mine, Tiger, Arizona, USA and Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is boleite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3–3.5 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 boleite cost?
Indicatively Micromounts $30–$300; fine thumbnail and cabinet crystals $300–$10,000. 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 boleite confused with?
Most often Pseudoboleite, Cumengeite, Azurite and Linarite. A refractive index of 2.03–2.05 and a specific gravity near 4.8–5.1 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for boleite?
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 boleite