The facts
What scorodite actually is
Mineralogically, scorodite is scorodite — Fe³⁺AsO₄·2H₂O, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by fe³⁺ in an arsenate, giving pale blue-green to olive; the colour dulls as it dehydrates. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.741–1.818, and the specific gravity sits near 3.1–3.3; cleavage is imperfect {201}.
Where scorodite comes from
The recognised sources are Tsumeb, Namibia, Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mexico, Hemerdon Ball, Devon, England and Kiura Mine, Ōita, Japan.
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 scorodite is treated
Untreated, but scorodite dehydrates and loses lustre in dry air over years; specimens are best kept in stable humidity. Contains arsenic and is slightly soluble, so it should never be wet-cleaned casually.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What scorodite is confused with
The usual confusions are Smithsonite, Apatite, Turquoise and Beryl.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.741–1.818 and specific gravity 3.1–3.3 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What scorodite is used for
Scorodite 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
Scorodite is 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale, with imperfect {201} 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 scorodite costs
Indicative pricing for scorodite is Specimens $40–$3,000; faceted stones very rare.
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 scorodite treated, and how?
Untreated, but scorodite dehydrates and loses lustre in dry air over years; specimens are best kept in stable humidity. Contains arsenic and is slightly soluble, so it should never be wet-cleaned casually.
Where does scorodite come from?
Tsumeb, Namibia, Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Mexico, Hemerdon Ball, Devon, England and Kiura Mine, Ōita, Japan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is scorodite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4 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 scorodite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $40–$3,000; faceted stones very rare. 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 scorodite confused with?
Most often Smithsonite, Apatite, Turquoise and Beryl. A refractive index of 1.741–1.818 and a specific gravity near 3.1–3.3 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for scorodite?
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 scorodite