Scorodite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
With lovely colors and intense pleochroism, faceted scorodite is a prize for collectors of the rare and unusual. However, it’s too soft for jewelry use.
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With lovely colors and intense pleochroism, faceted scorodite is a prize for collectors of the rare and unusual. However, it’s too soft for jewelry use.
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for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Scorodite Value
Comments
Scorodite belongs to the variscite mineral group. It forms series as the ferric iron analogue (Fe3+) with mansfieldite (AlAsO4 · 2H2O), yanomamite (InAsO4 · 2H2O), and strengite (FePO4 · 2H2O).
Although not a rare mineral, faceted scorodites are extremely rare. A low Mohs hardness score of 3.5 to 4 and imperfect cleavage make them very susceptible to scratches and blows. Thus, faceted pieces would make interesting collector's gems rather than practical jewelry stones.
Identifying Characteristics
Rare specimens display color change, from blue-green in daylight to blueish purple or grayish blue in incandescent light.
Scorodites may have a greenish-white streak. Please note that streak testing may harm or destroy your specimen. Conduct it on a piece of rough, never a finished gem, only as a last resort.
Optical Properties of Scorodite from Various Localities
α | β | γ | Birefringence | 2V | |
| Durango, Mexico | 1.784 | 1.795 | 1.814 | 0.030 | 75° |
| Idaho | 1.738 | 1.742 | 1.765 | 0.027 | 60° |
| Oregon | 1.741 | 1.744 | 1.768 | 0.027 | 40° |
| Tsumeb, Namibia | 1.785 | 1.796 | 1.816 | 0.031 | 75° |
Synthetics
Scientists have synthesized scorodite, including crystals, for research into the safe disposal of arsenic. However, there is no known jewelry use of this material.
Consumers may encounter so-called "scorolites" for sale online. Often marketed as "scorolite opals," they are, in fact, simulants, usually purplish glass or quartz pieces. Occasionally, you might encounter this same material offered as scorodite. Keep in mind that "scorolite" is not a synonym or alternate name for scorodite. Quartz and glass are distinct gemologically from scorodites. (This confusion may stem from a typo in a paper on geo-environmental hazards in groundwater in India).
Enhancements
None known.
Sources
Tsumeb, Namibia produces beautiful, pleochroic blue/purplish crystals, some gemmy, up to 25 mm long.
Durango, Mexico and Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil also yield fine, blue crystals, some gemmy.
Other notable crystal sources include
- United States: California; Idaho; Nevada; Oregon; South Dakota; Utah; Washington; Wyoming.
- Algeria; Ontario, Canada; China; Japan; Portugal; United Kingdom.
Stone Sizes
Scorodites almost always make small faceted gems. As a reasonable maximum, expect about five carats. However, even that would be very large for the species.
- Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC): 2.6 (purplish, Namibia).
Care
Scorodites just don't have the wearability to serve as jewelry stones. Furthermore, they're soluble in acids and contain arsenic. While this shouldn't pose a problem for wear or display, gem cutters should take precautions to prevent inhaling particles, protect their eyes, and wash their hands while working with scorodites.
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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