The facts
What schultenite actually is
Mineralogically, schultenite is lead arsenate — PbHAsO₄, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by colourless to white; high refractive index gives strong lustre despite the lack of colour. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.890–1.976, and the specific gravity sits near 5.94–6.07; cleavage is perfect in one direction.
Where schultenite comes from
The recognised sources are Tsumeb Mine, Oshikoto Region, Namibia and Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico.
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 schultenite is treated
Untreated. Arsenic-bearing, so handle and store with care and never work it dry. A soft Tsumeb classic; faceted stones exist but are fragile.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What schultenite is confused with
The usual confusions are Anglesite, Cerussite and Barite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.890–1.976 and specific gravity 5.94–6.07 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What schultenite is used for
Schultenite 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
Schultenite is 2.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect in one direction cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What schultenite costs
Indicative pricing for schultenite is Specimens 50–800 USD; faceted stones 150–600 USD/ct.
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 schultenite treated, and how?
Untreated. Arsenic-bearing, so handle and store with care and never work it dry. A soft Tsumeb classic; faceted stones exist but are fragile.
Where does schultenite come from?
Tsumeb Mine, Oshikoto Region, Namibia and Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is schultenite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does schultenite cost?
Indicatively Specimens 50–800 USD; faceted stones 150–600 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 schultenite confused with?
Most often Anglesite, Cerussite and Barite. A refractive index of 1.890–1.976 and a specific gravity near 5.94–6.07 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for schultenite?
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 schultenite