Cryolite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Cut cryolite is somewhat translucent, and has a "sleepy" look. The cuttable material has a very low birefringence, is colorless, and very soft—not exactly an exciting-looking gem. However, there are very few cut stones in existence because of the extreme scarcity of suitable rough. In addition, cryolite is only found abundantly at one locality (Ivigtut).
Cut cryolite is somewhat translucent, and has a “sleepy” look. The cuttable material has a very low birefringence, is colorless, and very soft—not exactly an exciting-looking gem. However, there are very few cut stones in existence because of the extreme scarcity of suitable rough. In addition, cryolite is only found abundantly at one locality (Ivigtut).
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for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Cryolite Value
Optics: a = 1.338; β = 1.338; γ = 1.339.
Biaxial (+), 2V= 43°.
Occurrence: Occurs in alkalic rocks at Ivigtut, Greenland.
Also Spain; USSR; Colorado (small amounts).
Comments: Cut cryolite is somewhat translucent, and has a "sleepy" look. The cuttable material has a very low birefringence, is colorless, and very soft—not exactly an exciting-looking gem. However, there are very few cut stones in existence because of the extreme scarcity of suitable rough. In addition, cryolite is only found abundantly at one locality (Ivigtut).
Name: From the Greek kryos (frost) and lithos (stone), hence ice-stone, in allusion to its appearance.
Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA
Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.
Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education.
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