The facts
What melanite actually is
Mineralogically, melanite is andradite (garnet group) — Ca₃(Fe,Ti)₂(SiO₄)₃, crystallising in the cubic system.
The colour is caused by titanium with iron giving an opaque black. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.855–1.895, and the specific gravity sits near 3.70–3.90; cleavage is none.
Where melanite comes from
The recognised sources are Frascati, Lazio, Italy, Kaiserstuhl, Germany and Mali.
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 melanite is treated
Untreated. Used for mourning jewellery historically; today mostly a collector and specimen material.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What melanite is confused with
The usual confusions are Black spinel, Black tourmaline, Obsidian and Black glass.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.855–1.895 and specific gravity 3.70–3.90 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What melanite is used for
Melanite is bought by jewellery, 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 carat, by the specimen or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 6.5–7; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 melanite costs
Indicative pricing for melanite is $5–50/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 melanite treated, and how?
Untreated. Used for mourning jewellery historically; today mostly a collector and specimen material.
Where does melanite come from?
Frascati, Lazio, Italy, Kaiserstuhl, Germany and Mali. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is melanite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5–7 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 melanite cost?
Indicatively $5–50/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 melanite confused with?
Most often Black spinel, Black tourmaline, Obsidian and Black glass. A refractive index of 1.855–1.895 and a specific gravity near 3.70–3.90 separate it quickly.
What is melanite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for melanite?
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 melanite