The facts
What lodolite actually is
Mineralogically, lodolite is quartz with chlorite/clay inclusions — SiO₂ + chlorite, hematite, feldspar inclusions, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by colourless host; 'landscape' inclusions of green chlorite, red hematite and white feldspar. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65; cleavage is none.
Where lodolite comes from
The recognised sources are Minas Gerais, Brazil and Serra do Cabral, 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.
How lodolite is treated
Untreated — the value is entirely in the inclusion scenery. Glass 'garden' imitations with injected inclusions exist.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What lodolite is confused with
The usual confusions are Moss agate, Included glass and Chlorite phantom quartz.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 and specific gravity 2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What lodolite is used for
Lodolite is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and wellness and body care — 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
Lodolite is 7 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What lodolite costs
Indicative pricing for lodolite is $1–25/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 lodolite treated, and how?
Untreated — the value is entirely in the inclusion scenery. Glass 'garden' imitations with injected inclusions exist.
Where does lodolite come from?
Minas Gerais, Brazil and Serra do Cabral, Brazil. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is lodolite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does lodolite cost?
Indicatively $1–25/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 lodolite confused with?
Most often Moss agate, Included glass and Chlorite phantom quartz. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 and a specific gravity near 2.65 separate it quickly.
What is lodolite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and wellness and body care. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for lodolite?
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 lodolite