The facts
What kämmererite actually is
Mineralogically, kämmererite is clinochlore (chlorite group) — (Mg,Fe²⁺)₅Al(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH)₈ with Cr, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by cr³⁺ substituting in the chlorite structure, giving an intense crimson to magenta-violet. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.571–1.599, and the specific gravity sits near 2.60–2.85; cleavage is perfect basal {001}.
Where kämmererite comes from
The recognised sources are Kop Krom Mine, Erzurum, Turkey, Kızıldağ, Hatay, Turkey and Ural Mountains, Russia.
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 kämmererite is treated
Untreated. At Mohs 2–2.5 with perfect basal cleavage it is purely a specimen mineral — the Turkish crystals are among the most intensely coloured of any chromium mineral. Faceted stones exist as curiosities and cannot be worn.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What kämmererite is confused with
The usual confusions are Seraphinite, Lepidolite, Sugilite and Purple mica.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.571–1.599 and specific gravity 2.60–2.85 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What kämmererite is used for
Kämmererite is bought by mineral collecting and decorative objects — 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 piece.
Durability and care
Kämmererite is 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect basal {001} 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 kämmererite costs
Indicative pricing for kämmererite is Specimen pricing.
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 kämmererite treated, and how?
Untreated. At Mohs 2–2.5 with perfect basal cleavage it is purely a specimen mineral — the Turkish crystals are among the most intensely coloured of any chromium mineral. Faceted stones exist as curiosities and cannot be worn.
Where does kämmererite come from?
Kop Krom Mine, Erzurum, Turkey, Kızıldağ, Hatay, Turkey and Ural Mountains, Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is kämmererite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2–2.5 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 kämmererite cost?
Indicatively Specimen pricing. 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 kämmererite confused with?
Most often Seraphinite, Lepidolite, Sugilite and Purple mica. A refractive index of 1.571–1.599 and a specific gravity near 2.60–2.85 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for kämmererite?
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 kämmererite