Ceruleite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Does Ceruleite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

You're more likely to find ceruleite specimens, if at all, in mineral collections than in jewelry collections. However, you'll see few cut ceruleites, even in museums, due to the rarity of good, cuttable material. Such quality rough is quite expensive. Nevertheless, ceruleite's blue colors make it very appealing to collectors of unusual gem material. Polished ceruleite gems can have a far deeper color than that of the rough nodules.

Beyond rarity and expense, however, ceruleites pose additional challenges for jewelry enthusiasts. These gemstones have a lower hardness (5-6) than more common jewelry stones such as quartz. Their porosity also makes them difficult to cut and wear. Protective settings are recommended. Earring and pendant use should pose fewer risks than ring use.

Identifying Ceruleites

This gemstone leaves a blueish white streak. However, keep in mind that streak testing ranks as a destructive test. Conduct it on a piece of rough, never a finished gem, only as a last resort.

Enhancements

Due to its porosity, ceruleite is sometimes treated with plastic impregnation. Such impregnated material has a specific gravity of 2.58.

Where is Ceruleite Found?

The type locality for this gem is the Emma Luisa Mine in Guanaco, Chile. Chile remains an important source for this gem.

Southern Bolivia has produced cabbing material of fine color. However, the total amount of this yield may not exceed several hundred pounds.

Other notable gem sources include:

• United States: Arizona; Idaho.
• Cornwall, England.
• Australia; France; Namibia; South Africa.

Stone Sizes

Nodules usually range in size from less than 1 inch up to several inches. Typically small, this material yields cabochons only.

Caring for Ceruleites

Store ceruleites separately from other gems to avoid contact scratches.

Avoid cleaning ceruleites with any mechanical systems. Clean these gems only with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. Don't use any other cleaning solutions, since ceruleites may react to chemicals in them. Don't soak ceruleites. Wipe pieces with a damp cloth after wearing them. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more recommendations.