The facts
What vivianite actually is
Mineralogically, vivianite is vivianite — Fe²⁺₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by fe²⁺–Fe³⁺ intervalence charge transfer that develops as the mineral oxidises — fresh crystals are near-colourless and darken to deep blue-green then near-black. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.579–1.633, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65–2.70; cleavage is perfect {010}; flexible laminae, sectile.
Where vivianite comes from
The recognised sources are Huanuni and Llallagua, Potosí, Bolivia, Tomokoni Mine, Bolivia, Blackbird district, Idaho, USA and Kerch, Crimea.
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 vivianite is treated
Untreated, but light-sensitive: specimens darken irreversibly and eventually go opaque black in daylight, so they must be stored in the dark. Never faceted for wear. Also the mineral that turns fossil bone blue (odontolite).
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What vivianite is confused with
The usual confusions are Azurite, Ludlamite, Erythrite and Lazulite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.579–1.633 and specific gravity 2.65–2.70 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What vivianite is used for
Vivianite is bought by mineral collecting and pigments — 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 tonne.
Durability and care
Hardness 1.5–2; cleavage perfect {010}; flexible laminae, sectile. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
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 vivianite costs
Indicative pricing for vivianite is Specimens $40–$5,000 depending on crystal size and freshness.
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 vivianite treated, and how?
Untreated, but light-sensitive: specimens darken irreversibly and eventually go opaque black in daylight, so they must be stored in the dark. Never faceted for wear. Also the mineral that turns fossil bone blue (odontolite).
Where does vivianite come from?
Huanuni and Llallagua, Potosí, Bolivia, Tomokoni Mine, Bolivia, Blackbird district, Idaho, USA and Kerch, Crimea. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is vivianite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 1.5–2 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 vivianite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $40–$5,000 depending on crystal size and freshness. 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 vivianite confused with?
Most often Azurite, Ludlamite, Erythrite and Lazulite. A refractive index of 1.579–1.633 and a specific gravity near 2.65–2.70 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for vivianite?
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 vivianite