Haüyne Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
One of the major mineral constituents of lapis lazuli, haüyne is rarely found and faceted as a distinct gemstone. Collectors prize its beautiful, deep blue color, although it can also occur in other hues.
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One of the major mineral constituents of lapis lazuli, haüyne is rarely found and faceted as a distinct gemstone. Collectors prize its beautiful, deep blue color, although it can also occur in other hues.
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Haüyne (pronounced ah-WEEN) belongs to the sodalite mineral group, which includes sodalite, haüyne, lazurite (a sulfide-bearing haüyne variety), and nosean. Together, these minerals comprise the popular gem rock known as lapis lazuli.
A rare mineral rarely faceted, haüyne is celebrated for showing blue color with vivid saturation. Although haüynes can occur in white, gray, green, yellow, red, and pink, until recently only blue crystals from Germany have yielded gem-quality material. However, in 2003, gem-quality yellow-green haüyne was discovered in Tanzania. In 2006, gemologists documented blue gem-quality haüynes from Afghanistan as well as a blue haüyne-sodalite cabochon from Myanmar.
Blue remains the color most desired by gem collectors and jewelry enthusiasts with a taste for rare materials. Imagine the appeal of a stone the color of lapis but faceted and transparent.
Haüynes, crystals in vug and loose crystal (0.5 cm across), Mayen, Eifel Mts, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.
Identifying Characteristics
Haüynes have a slightly blueish to colorless streak. Since streak testing can damage or destroy a specimen and most gemstones leave a colorless streak, don't try this test on suspected haüynes.
Tanzanian material has a lower refractive index (RI) and higher specific gravity (SG) than other haüynes.
Note that glass has RI, SG, and hardness values that overlap those of haüyne. (Glass pieces, of course, can come in any color). A spectroscopic reading of absorption spectra might help distinguish these materials.
Synthetics
Scientists have synthesized haüynes and lazurites for geological research. However, there's no known jewelry use for this lab-created material.
Enhancements
Paraffin wax has been used to seal fractures in faceted haüynes.
Sources
The source of most facetable haüynes, the area around Laacher See in the Eifel Mountains of Germany produces gem-quality, blue, transparent crystals. Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Tanzania also yield gem-quality material.
Italy also produces beautiful blue crystals. However, this material is usually too small to cut.
Other notable crystal sources include the following localities:
- United States: Colorado; Montana; South Dakota.
- Quebec, Canada; Chile; China; France; Morocco; Russia; Canary Islands, Spain; Tahiti; Tajikistan.
Stone Sizes
Faceters can cut opaque material into cabochons up to an inch or two in length. However, faceted gems are exceedingly rare and always small, usually under 1 or 2 carats.
Care
With precautions, haüynes could make wonderful jewelry pieces best suited for occasional wear. With a hardness of 5.5-6 and distinct cleavage, these stones need protective settings, especially in rings.
Clean haüynes as you would lapis lazulis, with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. Avoid chemical solvents and mechanical cleaning systems. Consult our gemstone jewelry care guide for more recommendations.
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.
International Gem Society
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