The facts
What xonotlite actually is
Mineralogically, xonotlite is calcium silicate — Ca₆Si₆O₁₇(OH)₂, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by chalky white to pale blue-grey and pink; colour from trace Mn and Fe. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.581–1.593, and the specific gravity sits near 2.71–2.72; cleavage is good in one direction, fibrous.
Where xonotlite comes from
The recognised sources are Tetela de Ocampo, Puebla, Mexico, Crestmore, Riverside County, California, USA and Hanajima, Iwate, Japan.
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 xonotlite is treated
Untreated. Tough compact masses take a good polish and have been sold as a jade substitute; also used industrially as a calcium-silicate insulation phase.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What xonotlite is confused with
The usual confusions are Nephrite, Pectolite, Wollastonite and Serpentine.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.581–1.593 and specific gravity 2.71–2.72 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What xonotlite is used for
Xonotlite is bought by mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and heavy industry — 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, by the block or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Xonotlite is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, with good in one direction, fibrous 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 xonotlite costs
Indicative pricing for xonotlite is Cabochons 10–50 USD.
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 xonotlite treated, and how?
Untreated. Tough compact masses take a good polish and have been sold as a jade substitute; also used industrially as a calcium-silicate insulation phase.
Where does xonotlite come from?
Tetela de Ocampo, Puebla, Mexico, Crestmore, Riverside County, California, USA and Hanajima, Iwate, Japan. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is xonotlite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 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 xonotlite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 10–50 USD. 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 xonotlite confused with?
Most often Nephrite, Pectolite, Wollastonite and Serpentine. A refractive index of 1.581–1.593 and a specific gravity near 2.71–2.72 separate it quickly.
What is xonotlite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and heavy industry. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for xonotlite?
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 xonotlite