The facts
What povondraite actually is
Mineralogically, povondraite is tourmaline supergroup — NaFe³⁺₃(Fe³⁺₄Mg₂)(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by fe³⁺-dominant composition gives an opaque black with reddish-brown internal reflections. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.77–1.83, and the specific gravity sits near 3.26; cleavage is none.
Where povondraite comes from
The recognised sources are Cristalmayu, Cochabamba, Bolivia and Alto Chapare, Bolivia.
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 povondraite is treated
Untreated. Effectively a single-region species from Bolivian metaevaporite schists; specimen material only.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What povondraite is confused with
The usual confusions are Schorl, Dravite and Uvite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.77–1.83 and specific gravity 3.26 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What povondraite is used for
Povondraite 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
Hardness 7; 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 povondraite costs
Indicative pricing for povondraite is Specimens 40–400 USD.
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 povondraite treated, and how?
Untreated. Effectively a single-region species from Bolivian metaevaporite schists; specimen material only.
Where does povondraite come from?
Cristalmayu, Cochabamba, Bolivia and Alto Chapare, Bolivia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is povondraite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 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 povondraite cost?
Indicatively Specimens 40–400 USD. 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 povondraite confused with?
Most often Schorl, Dravite and Uvite. A refractive index of 1.77–1.83 and a specific gravity near 3.26 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for povondraite?
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 povondraite