The facts
What viridine actually is
Mineralogically, viridine is andalusite (variety) — (Al,Mn³⁺)₂SiO₄O, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by mn³⁺ substituting for Al gives a strong grass green, quite unlike the pink-brown pleochroism of ordinary andalusite. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.629–1.660, and the specific gravity sits near 3.05–3.21; cleavage is good prismatic.
Where viridine comes from
The recognised sources are Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, Otjosondu, Otjozondjupa, Namibia and Ratnapura, 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 viridine is treated
Untreated. A genuine mineralogical variety name, not a marketing term; most material is massive and cut as cabochons.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What viridine is confused with
The usual confusions are Andalusite, Epidote, Chrome diopside and Green tourmaline.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.629–1.660 and specific gravity 3.05–3.21 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What viridine is used for
Viridine 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
Viridine is 7–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with good prismatic cleavage.
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 viridine costs
Indicative pricing for viridine is Cabochons 15–70 USD; faceted stones 40–200 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 viridine treated, and how?
Untreated. A genuine mineralogical variety name, not a marketing term; most material is massive and cut as cabochons.
Where does viridine come from?
Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, Otjosondu, Otjozondjupa, Namibia and Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is viridine 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 viridine cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 15–70 USD; faceted stones 40–200 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 viridine confused with?
Most often Andalusite, Epidote, Chrome diopside and Green tourmaline. A refractive index of 1.629–1.660 and a specific gravity near 3.05–3.21 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for viridine?
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 viridine