The facts
What pezzottaite actually is
The species behind pezzottaite is pezzottaite (beryl group), Cs(Be₂Li)Al₂Si₆O₁₈; it forms in the trigonal — not hexagonal like beryl system.
Radiation-induced colour centres involving Mn³⁺; the red fades toward pink on heating and can be restored by irradiation, which confirms a colour-centre rather than a simple crystal-field origin is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.601–1.620 and a specific gravity of about 3.09–3.11, with imperfect {001}; brittle cleavage.
Where pezzottaite comes from
Commercial material comes from Sakavalana Mine, Ambatovita, Amoron'i Mania, Madagascar (type locality, 2002), Dara-e-Pech, Kunar, Afghanistan and Dewa Mine, Nuristan, Afghanistan.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How pezzottaite is treated
Untreated in commerce, though the colour is heat-sensitive and irradiation can restore it, which is a disclosure question no lab currently resolves. The 2003 Madagascan find was brief and the deposit is exhausted, so supply is closed. Chatoyancy is common. Higher RI and a notably higher SG than any other beryl-group gem separate it from morganite.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What pezzottaite is confused with
Watch for Morganite, Rubellite, Red beryl, Kunzite and Pink tourmaline — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.601–1.620 and specific gravity 3.09–3.11 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What pezzottaite is used for
The trades that buy pezzottaite are mineral collecting and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 7.5–8; cleavage imperfect {001}; brittle. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 pezzottaite costs
Expect roughly $300–3,000/ct, depending on quality.
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 pezzottaite treated, and how?
Untreated in commerce, though the colour is heat-sensitive and irradiation can restore it, which is a disclosure question no lab currently resolves. The 2003 Madagascan find was brief and the deposit is exhausted, so supply is closed. Chatoyancy is common. Higher RI and a notably higher SG than any other beryl-group gem separate it from morganite.
Where does pezzottaite come from?
Sakavalana Mine, Ambatovita, Amoron'i Mania, Madagascar (type locality, 2002), Dara-e-Pech, Kunar, Afghanistan and Dewa Mine, Nuristan, Afghanistan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is pezzottaite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but imperfect {001}; brittle cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does pezzottaite cost?
Indicatively $300–3,000/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 pezzottaite confused with?
Most often Morganite, Rubellite, Red beryl, Kunzite and Pink tourmaline. A refractive index of 1.601–1.620 and a specific gravity near 3.09–3.11 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for pezzottaite?
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 pezzottaite