The facts
What hiddenite actually is
Mineralogically, hiddenite is spodumene — LiAlSi₂O₆, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by chromium. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.660–1.676, and the specific gravity sits near 3.15–3.21; cleavage is perfect, two directions.
Where hiddenite comes from
The recognised sources are Hiddenite, North Carolina, USA, Afghanistan and Brazil.
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.
Is hiddenite treated?
None normally.
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What hiddenite is confused with
The usual confusions are Green spodumene (not true hiddenite), Peridot and Diopside.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.660–1.676 and specific gravity 3.15–3.21 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What hiddenite is used for
Hiddenite is bought by 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 specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hiddenite is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, with perfect, two directions cleavage.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What hiddenite costs
Indicative pricing for hiddenite is $50–1,000/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 hiddenite treated?
None normally.
Where does hiddenite come from?
Hiddenite, North Carolina, USA, Afghanistan and Brazil. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is hiddenite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect, two directions cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does hiddenite cost?
Indicatively $50–1,000/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 hiddenite confused with?
Most often Green spodumene (not true hiddenite), Peridot and Diopside. A refractive index of 1.660–1.676 and a specific gravity near 3.15–3.21 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for hiddenite?
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 hiddenite