The facts
What uvite actually is
Mineralogically, uvite is uvite (tourmaline supergroup) — CaMg₃(Al₅Mg)(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₃(OH), crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by fe and Cr/V; Ca- and Mg-rich member of the supergroup. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.619–1.639, and the specific gravity sits near 3.03–3.10; cleavage is indistinct.
Where uvite comes from
The recognised sources are Brumado, Bahia, Brazil, Pierrepont, New York, USA and Sri Lanka.
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 uvite is treated
Generally untreated. Mostly a collector species — the Brumado crystals are prized as specimens more than as cut stones.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What uvite is confused with
The usual confusions are Dravite, Verdelite, Chrome tourmaline and Diopside.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.619–1.639 and specific gravity 3.03–3.10 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What uvite is used for
Uvite 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 indistinct. 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 uvite costs
Indicative pricing for uvite is $20–200/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 uvite treated, and how?
Generally untreated. Mostly a collector species — the Brumado crystals are prized as specimens more than as cut stones.
Where does uvite come from?
Brumado, Bahia, Brazil, Pierrepont, New York, USA and Sri Lanka. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is uvite 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 uvite cost?
Indicatively $20–200/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 uvite confused with?
Most often Dravite, Verdelite, Chrome tourmaline and Diopside. A refractive index of 1.619–1.639 and a specific gravity near 3.03–3.10 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for uvite?
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 uvite