The facts
What perovskite actually is
Mineralogically, perovskite is perovskite — CaTiO₃, crystallising in the orthorhombic (pseudocubic) system.
The colour is caused by fe and REE substitution; dark brown to black with adamantine lustre. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 2.30–2.38, and the specific gravity sits near 3.98–4.26; cleavage is imperfect cubic {001}.
Where perovskite comes from
The recognised sources are Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA, Zermatt (Val d'Ala), Switzerland/Italy, Kusa, Ural Mountains, Russia and Perovskite Hill, Gardiner Complex, Greenland.
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 perovskite is treated
Untreated. Collector species only; the name has since been borrowed for an entire family of synthetic solar-cell compounds that have nothing to do with the mineral's appearance.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What perovskite is confused with
The usual confusions are Magnetite, Uvarovite-bearing rock and Melanite garnet.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.30–2.38 and specific gravity 3.98–4.26 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What perovskite is used for
Perovskite is bought by mineral collecting — 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.
Durability and care
Perovskite is 5.5 on the Mohs scale, with imperfect cubic {001} cleavage.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What perovskite costs
Indicative pricing for perovskite is Crystals $30–$800.
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 perovskite treated, and how?
Untreated. Collector species only; the name has since been borrowed for an entire family of synthetic solar-cell compounds that have nothing to do with the mineral's appearance.
Where does perovskite come from?
Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA, Zermatt (Val d'Ala), Switzerland/Italy, Kusa, Ural Mountains, Russia and Perovskite Hill, Gardiner Complex, Greenland. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is perovskite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 5.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but imperfect cubic {001} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does perovskite cost?
Indicatively Crystals $30–$800. 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 perovskite confused with?
Most often Magnetite, Uvarovite-bearing rock and Melanite garnet. A refractive index of 2.30–2.38 and a specific gravity near 3.98–4.26 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for perovskite?
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 perovskite