The facts
What hexagonite actually is
The species behind hexagonite is tremolite (amphibole group), Ca₂Mg₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ with Mn; it forms in the monoclinic system.
Mn³⁺ giving pink to lilac, with strong pleochroism from bluish-red to deep reddish-violet is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.599–1.637 and a specific gravity of about 2.98–3.03, with perfect {110}, distinct {010} cleavage.
Where hexagonite comes from
Commercial material comes from Fowler, St Lawrence County, New York, USA.
That is the whole list. A single source makes supply fragile and makes any claim of a second origin worth questioning.
How hexagonite is treated
Untreated. Effectively a single-locality gem; facetable clean material is scarce and the name is a historical misnomer (it was wrongly thought hexagonal).
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What hexagonite is confused with
Watch for Kunzite, Rhodonite, Amethyst and Purple scapolite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.599–1.637 and specific gravity 2.98–3.03 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What hexagonite is used for
The trades that buy hexagonite are mineral collecting and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hexagonite is 5–6 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {110}, distinct {010} 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 hexagonite costs
Expect roughly $20–200/ct, depending on quality.
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 hexagonite treated, and how?
Untreated. Effectively a single-locality gem; facetable clean material is scarce and the name is a historical misnomer (it was wrongly thought hexagonal).
Where does hexagonite come from?
Fowler, St Lawrence County, New York, USA. That is the only commercial source.
Is hexagonite 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 hexagonite cost?
Indicatively $20–200/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 hexagonite confused with?
Most often Kunzite, Rhodonite, Amethyst and Purple scapolite. A refractive index of 1.599–1.637 and a specific gravity near 2.98–3.03 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for hexagonite?
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 hexagonite