The facts
What catapleiite actually is
Mineralogically, catapleiite is zirconium silicate — Na₂ZrSi₃O₉·2H₂O, crystallising in the hexagonal to monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by colourless to pale yellow and brown; trace Fe and Mn. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.590–1.629, and the specific gravity sits near 2.72–2.80; cleavage is distinct basal.
Where catapleiite comes from
The recognised sources are Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada, Låven Island, Langesundsfjord, Norway and Narsarsuk, Greenland.
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 catapleiite is treated
Untreated. A classic alkaline-pegmatite species, usually tabular and platy; faceted material is small.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What catapleiite is confused with
The usual confusions are Eudialyte, Zircon and Elpidite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.590–1.629 and specific gravity 2.72–2.80 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What catapleiite is used for
Catapleiite 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
Hardness 5–6; cleavage distinct basal. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 catapleiite costs
Indicative pricing for catapleiite is Specimens 20–200 USD; faceted stones 80–300 USD/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 catapleiite treated, and how?
Untreated. A classic alkaline-pegmatite species, usually tabular and platy; faceted material is small.
Where does catapleiite come from?
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada, Låven Island, Langesundsfjord, Norway and Narsarsuk, Greenland. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is catapleiite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–6 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 catapleiite cost?
Indicatively Specimens 20–200 USD; faceted stones 80–300 USD/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 catapleiite confused with?
Most often Eudialyte, Zircon and Elpidite. A refractive index of 1.590–1.629 and a specific gravity near 2.72–2.80 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for catapleiite?
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 catapleiite