The facts
What nepheline actually is
Mineralogically, nepheline is feldspathoid — Na₃K(Al₄Si₄O₁₆), crystallising in the hexagonal system.
The colour is caused by colourless when pure; grey, greenish or reddish from included iron oxides and alteration. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.529–1.547, and the specific gravity sits near 2.55–2.65; cleavage is poor prismatic and basal.
Where nepheline comes from
The recognised sources are Bancroft, Ontario, Canada, Mount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy and Kola Peninsula, Russia.
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 nepheline is treated
Untreated. Massive greasy nepheline (elaeolite) is cut as cabochons and occasionally shows chatoyancy. Nepheline syenite is also a major industrial feldspar substitute.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What nepheline is confused with
The usual confusions are Scapolite, Quartz and Sodalite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.529–1.547 and specific gravity 2.55–2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What nepheline is used for
Nepheline is bought by mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and heavy industry — 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, by the block or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Nepheline is 5–6 on the Mohs scale, with poor prismatic and basal 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 nepheline costs
Indicative pricing for nepheline is Cabochons 5–30 USD; facetable transparent material rare, 30–150 USD/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 nepheline treated, and how?
Untreated. Massive greasy nepheline (elaeolite) is cut as cabochons and occasionally shows chatoyancy. Nepheline syenite is also a major industrial feldspar substitute.
Where does nepheline come from?
Bancroft, Ontario, Canada, Mount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy and Kola Peninsula, Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is nepheline hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 5–6 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 nepheline cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 5–30 USD; facetable transparent material rare, 30–150 USD/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 nepheline confused with?
Most often Scapolite, Quartz and Sodalite. A refractive index of 1.529–1.547 and a specific gravity near 2.55–2.65 separate it quickly.
What is nepheline used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and heavy industry. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for nepheline?
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 nepheline