The facts
What wollastonite actually is
The species behind wollastonite is wollastonite (pyroxenoid), CaSiO₃; it forms in the triclinic system.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.616–1.653 and a specific gravity of about 2.86–3.09, with perfect {100}, good {001} cleavage.
Where wollastonite comes from
Commercial material comes from Willsboro, New York, USA, Chiapas, Mexico, Lappeenranta, Finland and Kangerdluarssuk, Greenland.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How wollastonite is treated
Untreated. Barely a gem — soft, cleavable and usually opaque white. Overwhelmingly an industrial mineral for ceramics, friction products and as an asbestos replacement; occasional carved and cabochon pieces.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What wollastonite is confused with
Watch for Pectolite, Tremolite, Marble and Anhydrite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.616–1.653 and specific gravity 2.86–3.09 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What wollastonite is used for
The trades that buy wollastonite are heavy industry, refractories, mineral collecting and carving and sculpture. 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 tonne, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Hardness 4.5–5; cleavage perfect {100}, good {001}. 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 wollastonite costs
Expect roughly Industrial pricing by the tonne; gem use negligible, 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 wollastonite treated, and how?
Untreated. Barely a gem — soft, cleavable and usually opaque white. Overwhelmingly an industrial mineral for ceramics, friction products and as an asbestos replacement; occasional carved and cabochon pieces.
Where does wollastonite come from?
Willsboro, New York, USA, Chiapas, Mexico, Lappeenranta, Finland and Kangerdluarssuk, Greenland. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is wollastonite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4.5–5 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 wollastonite cost?
Indicatively Industrial pricing by the tonne; gem use negligible. 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 wollastonite confused with?
Most often Pectolite, Tremolite, Marble and Anhydrite. A refractive index of 1.616–1.653 and a specific gravity near 2.86–3.09 separate it quickly.
What is wollastonite used for besides jewellery?
heavy industry, refractories, mineral collecting and carving and sculpture. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for wollastonite?
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 wollastonite