The facts
What ludlamite actually is
Mineralogically, ludlamite is ludlamite — Fe²⁺₃(PO₄)₂·4H₂O, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by fe²⁺ giving apple-green to bright grass-green. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.650–1.697, and the specific gravity sits near 3.12–3.19; cleavage is perfect {001}.
Where ludlamite comes from
The recognised sources are Huanuni and Siglo XX, Llallagua, Bolivia, Blackbird Mine, Lemhi County, Idaho, USA and Wheal Jane, Cornwall, England.
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 ludlamite is treated
Untreated. Soft, cleavable and slightly light-sensitive; faceted ludlamite exists but only in small sizes from Bolivian material and is strictly for collectors.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What ludlamite is confused with
The usual confusions are Vivianite, Peridot, Libethenite and Green apatite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.650–1.697 and specific gravity 3.12–3.19 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What ludlamite is used for
Ludlamite is bought by mineral collecting — 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.
Durability and care
Hardness 3.5; cleavage perfect {001}. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 ludlamite costs
Indicative pricing for ludlamite is Specimens $60–$3,000; faceted stones $100–$400/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 ludlamite treated, and how?
Untreated. Soft, cleavable and slightly light-sensitive; faceted ludlamite exists but only in small sizes from Bolivian material and is strictly for collectors.
Where does ludlamite come from?
Huanuni and Siglo XX, Llallagua, Bolivia, Blackbird Mine, Lemhi County, Idaho, USA and Wheal Jane, Cornwall, England. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is ludlamite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5 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 ludlamite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $60–$3,000; faceted stones $100–$400/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 ludlamite confused with?
Most often Vivianite, Peridot, Libethenite and Green apatite. A refractive index of 1.650–1.697 and a specific gravity near 3.12–3.19 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for ludlamite?
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 ludlamite