The facts
What rossmanite actually is
The species behind rossmanite is tourmaline supergroup, ☐(LiAl₂)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH); it forms in the trigonal system.
Essentially colourless to pale pink; the alkali-deficient composition means few chromophores 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 1.624–1.645 and a specific gravity of about 3.00–3.06, with none; conchoidal fracture cleavage.
Where rossmanite comes from
Commercial material comes from Rožná, Vysočina, Czech Republic, Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy and Anjanabonoina, Madagascar.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How rossmanite is treated
Untreated. Defined in 1996 and rarely offered cut; material sold as rossmanite is often ordinary pale elbaite, so analysis is needed before the name is used.
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 rossmanite is confused with
Watch for Elbaite, Achroite, Morganite and Kunzite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.624–1.645 and specific gravity 3.00–3.06 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What rossmanite is used for
The trades that buy rossmanite 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
Hardness 7–7.5; cleavage none; conchoidal fracture. 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 rossmanite costs
Expect roughly Faceted stones 50–250 USD/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 rossmanite treated, and how?
Untreated. Defined in 1996 and rarely offered cut; material sold as rossmanite is often ordinary pale elbaite, so analysis is needed before the name is used.
Where does rossmanite come from?
Rožná, Vysočina, Czech Republic, Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy and Anjanabonoina, Madagascar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is rossmanite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7–7.5 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 rossmanite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones 50–250 USD/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 rossmanite confused with?
Most often Elbaite, Achroite, Morganite and Kunzite. A refractive index of 1.624–1.645 and a specific gravity near 3.00–3.06 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for rossmanite?
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 rossmanite