The facts
What schorlomite actually is
Mineralogically, schorlomite is garnet group — Ca₃Ti⁴⁺₂(SiFe³⁺₂)O₁₂, crystallising in the isometric system.
The colour is caused by ti⁴⁺–Fe³⁺ charge transfer gives an opaque lustrous black. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.940–1.980, and the specific gravity sits near 3.77–3.93; cleavage is none; conchoidal fracture.
Where schorlomite comes from
The recognised sources are Ice River Complex, British Columbia, Canada, Iivaara, Kuusamo, Finland and Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA.
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 schorlomite is treated
Untreated. Opaque black garnet cut as beads and cabochons and often sold generically as 'melanite' or 'black garnet'.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What schorlomite is confused with
The usual confusions are Melanite, Schorl, Black spinel and Obsidian.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.940–1.980 and specific gravity 3.77–3.93 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What schorlomite is used for
Schorlomite is bought by mineral collecting 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 or by the carat.
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 schorlomite costs
Indicative pricing for schorlomite is Beads and cabochons 5–40 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 schorlomite treated, and how?
Untreated. Opaque black garnet cut as beads and cabochons and often sold generically as 'melanite' or 'black garnet'.
Where does schorlomite come from?
Ice River Complex, British Columbia, Canada, Iivaara, Kuusamo, Finland and Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is schorlomite 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 schorlomite cost?
Indicatively Beads and cabochons 5–40 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 schorlomite confused with?
Most often Melanite, Schorl, Black spinel and Obsidian. A refractive index of 1.940–1.980 and a specific gravity near 3.77–3.93 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for schorlomite?
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 schorlomite