The facts
What pectolite actually is
Mineralogically, pectolite is wollastonite group — NaCa₂Si₃O₈(OH), crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by colourless to white; the blue of larimar comes from Cu²⁺ substituting for Ca. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.595–1.645, and the specific gravity sits near 2.74–2.90; cleavage is perfect in two directions.
Where pectolite comes from
The recognised sources are Paterson, New Jersey, USA, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada and Barahona, Dominican Republic.
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 pectolite is treated
Untreated in specimen form. Fibrous sprays are sharp and hazardous to handle dry. The blue Dominican variety larimar is often waxed or resin-stabilised.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What pectolite is confused with
The usual confusions are Wollastonite, Natrolite and Okenite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.595–1.645 and specific gravity 2.74–2.90 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What pectolite is used for
Pectolite is bought by mineral collecting and jewellery — 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 carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 4.5–5; cleavage perfect in two directions. 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 pectolite costs
Indicative pricing for pectolite is Specimens 20–200 USD; white pectolite is rarely cut.
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 pectolite treated, and how?
Untreated in specimen form. Fibrous sprays are sharp and hazardous to handle dry. The blue Dominican variety larimar is often waxed or resin-stabilised.
Where does pectolite come from?
Paterson, New Jersey, USA, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Québec, Canada and Barahona, Dominican Republic. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is pectolite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4.5–5 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 pectolite cost?
Indicatively Specimens 20–200 USD; white pectolite is rarely cut. 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 pectolite confused with?
Most often Wollastonite, Natrolite and Okenite. A refractive index of 1.595–1.645 and a specific gravity near 2.74–2.90 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for pectolite?
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 pectolite