The facts
What gaspéite actually is
Mineralogically, gaspéite is calcite group — (Ni,Mg,Fe²⁺)CO₃, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by ni²⁺ gives the distinctive apple to olive green. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.61–1.83, and the specific gravity sits near 3.5–3.71; cleavage is perfect rhombohedral.
Where gaspéite comes from
The recognised sources are Mont Albert, Gaspésie, Québec, Canada, Widgiemooltha, Western Australia and Kambalda, Western 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 gaspéite is treated
Massive Australian cabochon material is routinely stabilised with resin and is sometimes backed; softness and cleavage mean untreated stones chip easily. Watch for dyed magnesite sold as gaspéite.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What gaspéite is confused with
The usual confusions are Chrysoprase, Variscite, Turquoise and Dyed magnesite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.61–1.83 and specific gravity 3.5–3.71 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What gaspéite is used for
Gaspéite is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting and carving and sculpture — 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
Gaspéite is 4.5–5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect rhombohedral 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 gaspéite costs
Indicative pricing for gaspéite is Cabochons 20–150 USD; fine Australian material higher.
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 gaspéite treated, and how?
Massive Australian cabochon material is routinely stabilised with resin and is sometimes backed; softness and cleavage mean untreated stones chip easily. Watch for dyed magnesite sold as gaspéite.
Where does gaspéite come from?
Mont Albert, Gaspésie, Québec, Canada, Widgiemooltha, Western Australia and Kambalda, Western Australia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is gaspéite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4.5–5 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 gaspéite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 20–150 USD; fine Australian material higher. 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 gaspéite confused with?
Most often Chrysoprase, Variscite, Turquoise and Dyed magnesite. A refractive index of 1.61–1.83 and a specific gravity near 3.5–3.71 separate it quickly.
What is gaspéite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and carving and sculpture. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for gaspéite?
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 gaspéite