The facts
What natrolite actually is
Mineralogically, natrolite is natrolite (zeolite group) — Na₂Al₂Si₃O₁₀·2H₂O, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by colourless to white; pale yellow and pink tints from trace Fe and organic matter. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.473–1.496, and the specific gravity sits near 2.20–2.26; cleavage is perfect {110}.
Where natrolite comes from
The recognised sources are Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, Puy-de-Dôme, France, Maharashtra, India and Bergen Hill, New Jersey, USA.
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 natrolite is treated
Untreated. Cut only for collectors. Notable as the host matrix for benitoite and neptunite at the San Benito deposit.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What natrolite is confused with
The usual confusions are Scolecite, Mesolite, Quartz and Colourless topaz.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.473–1.496 and specific gravity 2.20–2.26 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What natrolite is used for
Natrolite 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
Natrolite is 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {110} 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 natrolite costs
Indicative pricing for natrolite is Specimen pricing; faceted material $20–150/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 natrolite treated, and how?
Untreated. Cut only for collectors. Notable as the host matrix for benitoite and neptunite at the San Benito deposit.
Where does natrolite come from?
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, Puy-de-Dôme, France, Maharashtra, India and Bergen Hill, New Jersey, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is natrolite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–5.5 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 natrolite cost?
Indicatively Specimen pricing; faceted material $20–150/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 natrolite confused with?
Most often Scolecite, Mesolite, Quartz and Colourless topaz. A refractive index of 1.473–1.496 and a specific gravity near 2.20–2.26 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for natrolite?
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 natrolite