The facts
What pollucite actually is
Mineralogically, pollucite is pollucite (zeolite group) — (Cs,Na)₂Al₂Si₄O₁₂·2H₂O, crystallising in the cubic system.
The colour is caused by not documented; material is colourless to very pale pink. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.517–1.525 (isotropic), and the specific gravity sits near 2.85–2.94; cleavage is none.
Where pollucite comes from
The recognised sources are Bernic Lake (Tanco Mine), Manitoba, Canada, Elba, Italy (type locality), Karibib, Namibia and Afghanistan.
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 pollucite is treated
No known gem treatments. The world's principal caesium ore, so gem-quality faceted material competes with industrial demand. The caesium is natural non-radioactive Cs-133 and poses no hazard. GIA has measured a birefringence of about 0.001, so despite being cubic it can read as weakly anisotropic.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What pollucite is confused with
The usual confusions are Rock crystal, Petalite, Colourless topaz, Glass and Leuco garnet.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.517–1.525 (isotropic) and specific gravity 2.85–2.94 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What pollucite is used for
Pollucite is bought by mineral collecting, heavy industry, technical and precision components 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, by the tonne or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 6.5; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What pollucite costs
Indicative pricing for pollucite is $30–300/ct — rare in cut form.
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 pollucite treated, and how?
No known gem treatments. The world's principal caesium ore, so gem-quality faceted material competes with industrial demand. The caesium is natural non-radioactive Cs-133 and poses no hazard. GIA has measured a birefringence of about 0.001, so despite being cubic it can read as weakly anisotropic.
Where does pollucite come from?
Bernic Lake (Tanco Mine), Manitoba, Canada, Elba, Italy (type locality), Karibib, Namibia and Afghanistan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is pollucite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does pollucite cost?
Indicatively $30–300/ct — rare in cut form. 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 pollucite confused with?
Most often Rock crystal, Petalite, Colourless topaz, Glass and Leuco garnet. A refractive index of 1.517–1.525 (isotropic) and a specific gravity near 2.85–2.94 separate it quickly.
What is pollucite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, heavy industry and technical and precision components. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for pollucite?
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 pollucite