The facts
What californite actually is
Californite is classified as vesuvianite (massive), with the composition Ca₁₀Mg₂Al₄(SiO₄)₅(Si₂O₇)₂(OH)₄. It crystallises in the tetragonal (massive aggregate) system.
Colour comes from chromium and iron giving a jade-like green, often with grossular admixed, which is also what a laboratory looks at when it is asked whether a colour is natural.
Refractive index 1.700–1.725 (spot ~1.71). Specific gravity around 3.25–3.45. Cleavage: not seen in the aggregate. Those three numbers separate it from most of what imitates it.
Where californite comes from
Californite is produced at Happy Camp, Siskiyou County, California, USA, Tulare County, California, USA and Pakistan.
The locality is part of the description, not a footnote — two stones of the same weight from two of these places are not the same stone.
How californite is treated
Usually untreated. Its entire commercial history is one of being sold as jade — it is neither jadeite nor nephrite, and the RI reading separates it in seconds. Treat any 'California jade' description as a misdescription to be corrected.
Treatment changes value, sometimes by a multiple, so it belongs in the description before the price and not after the sale.
What californite is confused with
In the trade californite is most often mistaken for, or substituted by, Jadeite, Nephrite, Hydrogrossular, Serpentine or Chrysoprase.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.700–1.725 (spot ~1.71) and specific gravity 3.25–3.45 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What californite is used for
Demand for californite comes from carving and sculpture, decorative objects, jewellery and mineral collecting, which is why one price per carat never covers it.
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
Californite is 6–7 on the Mohs scale, with not seen in the aggregate 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 californite costs
As a guide, californite trades around $1–20/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 californite treated, and how?
Usually untreated. Its entire commercial history is one of being sold as jade — it is neither jadeite nor nephrite, and the RI reading separates it in seconds. Treat any 'California jade' description as a misdescription to be corrected.
Where does californite come from?
Happy Camp, Siskiyou County, California, USA, Tulare County, California, USA and Pakistan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is californite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–7 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 californite 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 californite confused with?
Most often Jadeite, Nephrite, Hydrogrossular, Serpentine and Chrysoprase. A refractive index of 1.700–1.725 (spot ~1.71) and a specific gravity near 3.25–3.45 separate it quickly.
What is californite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and mineral collecting. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for californite?
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 californite