The facts
What ophicalcite actually is
Mineralogically, ophicalcite is metamorphic rock — CaCO₃ with Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, crystallising in the aggregate system.
The colour is caused by green serpentine veins in white to buff calcite; iron oxides give red and brown. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65–2.90; cleavage is calcite rhombohedral cleavage shows in the carbonate portion.
Where ophicalcite comes from
The recognised sources are Connemara, County Galway, Ireland, Valle Strona, Piedmont, Italy and Vermont, 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 ophicalcite is treated
Commonly waxed and resin-filled as a dimension stone; green dyes are sometimes used on pale material. Softness makes it a poor ring stone.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What ophicalcite is confused with
The usual confusions are Verde antique, Serpentinite and Malachite.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 2.65–2.90, hardness of 3–4, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What ophicalcite is used for
Ophicalcite is bought by architecture and interiors, carving and sculpture 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 square metre, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 3–4; cleavage calcite rhombohedral cleavage shows in the carbonate portion. 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 ophicalcite costs
Indicative pricing for ophicalcite is Slabs 20–150 USD per square metre.
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 ophicalcite treated, and how?
Commonly waxed and resin-filled as a dimension stone; green dyes are sometimes used on pale material. Softness makes it a poor ring stone.
Where does ophicalcite come from?
Connemara, County Galway, Ireland, Valle Strona, Piedmont, Italy and Vermont, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is ophicalcite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3–4 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 ophicalcite cost?
Indicatively Slabs 20–150 USD per square metre. 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 ophicalcite confused with?
Most often Verde antique, Serpentinite and Malachite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 2.65–2.90, hardness and magnification.
What is ophicalcite used for besides jewellery?
architecture and interiors, carving and sculpture and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for ophicalcite?
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 ophicalcite