The facts
What rhodizite actually is
The species behind rhodizite is rhodizite–londonite series, (K,Cs)Al₄Be₄(B,Be)₁₂O₂₈; it forms in the cubic system.
Traces of Fe giving colourless to pale yellow and greenish tints 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 1.693–1.694 and a specific gravity of about 3.40, with imperfect {111} cleavage.
Where rhodizite comes from
Commercial material comes from Anjanabonoina and Antsongombato, Betafo, Madagascar and Ural Mountains, Russia (type locality).
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How rhodizite is treated
Untreated. One of the hardest borates known at Mohs 8, but almost always small and pale; the caesium-rich end member londonite was separated as a distinct species in 1999, and much Madagascan material sold as rhodizite is actually londonite.
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 rhodizite is confused with
Watch for Londonite, Spinel, Diamond (in small crystals) and Fluorite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.693–1.694 and specific gravity 3.40 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What rhodizite is used for
The trades that buy rhodizite are mineral collecting. 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.
Durability and care
Rhodizite is 8 on the Mohs scale, with imperfect {111} 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 rhodizite costs
Expect roughly Crystals $50–$2,000; faceted stones $200–$800/ct and rarely over 1 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 rhodizite treated, and how?
Untreated. One of the hardest borates known at Mohs 8, but almost always small and pale; the caesium-rich end member londonite was separated as a distinct species in 1999, and much Madagascan material sold as rhodizite is actually londonite.
Where does rhodizite come from?
Anjanabonoina and Antsongombato, Betafo, Madagascar and Ural Mountains, Russia (type locality). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is rhodizite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 8 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but imperfect {111} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does rhodizite cost?
Indicatively Crystals $50–$2,000; faceted stones $200–$800/ct and rarely over 1 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 rhodizite confused with?
Most often Londonite, Spinel, Diamond (in small crystals) and Fluorite. A refractive index of 1.693–1.694 and a specific gravity near 3.40 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for rhodizite?
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 rhodizite