The facts
What marialite actually is
The species behind marialite is scapolite group, Na₄Al₃Si₉O₂₄Cl; it forms in the tetragonal system.
Yellow from sulphur-related centres; violet and pink from radiation-induced colour centres 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 1.540–1.550 and a specific gravity of about 2.50–2.62, with distinct prismatic in two directions cleavage.
Where marialite comes from
Commercial material comes from Mogok, Myanmar, Ihosy, Ihorombe, Madagascar and Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How marialite is treated
Violet scapolite is commonly irradiated and the colour can fade; yellow material is sometimes heated. Neither is routinely disclosed.
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 marialite is confused with
Watch for Beryl, Citrine, Amblygonite and Chrysoberyl — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.540–1.550 and specific gravity 2.50–2.62 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What marialite is used for
The trades that buy marialite are jewellery and mineral collecting. 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 carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Marialite is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, with distinct prismatic in two directions 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 marialite costs
Expect roughly 10–120 USD/ct depending on size and clarity, 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 marialite treated, and how?
Violet scapolite is commonly irradiated and the colour can fade; yellow material is sometimes heated. Neither is routinely disclosed.
Where does marialite come from?
Mogok, Myanmar, Ihosy, Ihorombe, Madagascar and Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is marialite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 5.5–6 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 marialite cost?
Indicatively 10–120 USD/ct depending on size and clarity. 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 marialite confused with?
Most often Beryl, Citrine, Amblygonite and Chrysoberyl. A refractive index of 1.540–1.550 and a specific gravity near 2.50–2.62 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for marialite?
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 marialite