The facts
What eudialyte actually is
Mineralogically, eudialyte is eudialyte group — Na₄(Ca,Ce)₂(Fe²⁺,Mn²⁺)ZrSi₈O₂₂(OH,Cl)₂ — a simplification of a structurally complex group, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by not authoritatively established — red and pink are generally ascribed to Mn with Fe and Ce, but no spectroscopic assignment was found. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.588–1.636, and the specific gravity sits near 2.74–3.10; cleavage is perfect to indistinct {0001}, imperfect {1120}.
Where eudialyte comes from
The recognised sources are Poudrette Quarry and the Kipawa complex, Quebec, Canada, Lovozero and Khibiny massifs, Kola Peninsula, Russia, Ilímaussaq intrusion, Greenland and Langesundsfjord, Norway.
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 eudialyte is treated
Untreated, sometimes resin-stabilised. Massive Kola material is cut as cabochons and spheres; the transparent red Mont Saint-Hilaire crystals are the facetable form and are tiny. Contains zirconium and minor rare earths, and some material carries trace radioactivity from associated minerals. The trade name 'dragon's blood' is also applied to unrelated rocks, so it identifies nothing.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What eudialyte is confused with
The usual confusions are Rhodonite, Thulite, Bustamite, Dyed jasper and Sugilite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.588–1.636 and specific gravity 2.74–3.10 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What eudialyte is used for
Eudialyte is bought by carving and sculpture, decorative objects, mineral collecting and jewellery — 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 specimen.
Durability and care
Eudialyte is 5–6 on the Mohs scale, with perfect to indistinct {0001}, imperfect {1120} 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 eudialyte costs
Indicative pricing for eudialyte is $1–40/ct; faceted crystals priced by negotiation.
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 eudialyte treated, and how?
Untreated, sometimes resin-stabilised. Massive Kola material is cut as cabochons and spheres; the transparent red Mont Saint-Hilaire crystals are the facetable form and are tiny. Contains zirconium and minor rare earths, and some material carries trace radioactivity from associated minerals. The trade name 'dragon's blood' is also applied to unrelated rocks, so it identifies nothing.
Where does eudialyte come from?
Poudrette Quarry and the Kipawa complex, Quebec, Canada, Lovozero and Khibiny massifs, Kola Peninsula, Russia, Ilímaussaq intrusion, Greenland and Langesundsfjord, Norway. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is eudialyte 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 eudialyte cost?
Indicatively $1–40/ct; faceted crystals priced by negotiation. 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 eudialyte confused with?
Most often Rhodonite, Thulite, Bustamite, Dyed jasper and Sugilite. A refractive index of 1.588–1.636 and a specific gravity near 2.74–3.10 separate it quickly.
What is eudialyte 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 eudialyte?
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 eudialyte