The facts
What taaffeite actually is
The species behind taaffeite is taaffeite, BeMg₃Al₈O₁₆; it forms in the hexagonal system.
Iron and chromium 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 1.719–1.730 and a specific gravity of about 3.60–3.62, with none cleavage.
Where taaffeite comes from
Commercial material comes from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania and China.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
Is taaffeite treated?
None.
That makes disclosure simple: there is nothing to declare. It also means a seller offering a "treated" version of this material is offering something else.
What taaffeite is confused with
Watch for Spinel — it was discovered because a "spinel" was doubly refractive and Musgravite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.719–1.730 and specific gravity 3.60–3.62 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What taaffeite is used for
The trades that buy taaffeite 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 8–8.5; cleavage none. 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 taaffeite costs
Expect roughly $500–10,000/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 taaffeite treated?
None.
Where does taaffeite come from?
Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania and China. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is taaffeite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 8–8.5 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 taaffeite cost?
Indicatively $500–10,000/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 taaffeite confused with?
Most often Spinel — it was discovered because a "spinel" was doubly refractive and Musgravite. A refractive index of 1.719–1.730 and a specific gravity near 3.60–3.62 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for taaffeite?
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 taaffeite