Hiddenite

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Hiddenite is the green chromium-rich variety of spodumene, which is rarer than its pink sibling, kunzite. Hiddenite is named for American gemologist William Hidden, who first discovered this transparent green variety in North Carolina in the area that now also bears its name, Hiddenite.

Hiddenite Polished
Hiddenite Classification
Common Name Hiddenite
Species Spodumene
Hiddenite Optical Properties
Transparency Transparent
Dispersion Strength: Moderate Fire Value: 0.017
Refractive Index 1.662-1.676
Birefringence 0.014-0.016
Optic Character Biaxial
Optic Sign Positive
Polariscope Reaction Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence SWUV: inert to weak orangy red or pink
LWUV: inert to weak orangy red or pink
Pleochroism Trichroic, moderate to strong, yellowish green, green, blue-green
Hiddenite Characteristic Physical Properties
Hardness 6.5-7
Streak White
Specific Gravity 3.150-3.210 Typical:3.180
Toughness Poor
Inclusions Hiddenite is a type I clarity stone. Stones might contain growth and etch tubes, healing cracks, liquid and multi-phase inclusions.
Luster Vitreous
Fracture Uneven, Splintery
Cleavage Perfect, in two directions
Hiddenite Chemistry & Crystallography
Chemical Name lithium aluminum silicate
Chemical Formula LiAlSi2O6
Crystal System Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification Silicate

Hiddenite Colors

  • Green Hiddenite Green

Countries of Origin

Afghanistan; United States of America (the); Brazil

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Tim Matthews is President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewelry Television® (JTV), as well as a member of the company's Board of Directors. He oversees and leads all aspects of the company's powerful omni-digital retail platform that uniquely specializes in fine jewelry and gemstones. His passion for business and gemstones has led him to become a recognized expert in the field of gemology. He is a life member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and has earned Gem-A's highest degrees, the Gemmology (FGA) and Diamond (DGA) diplomas. He is also a Graduate Gemologist (GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has also completed GIA's Graduate Diplomas in Diamonds, Colored Stones and Pearls. Under his leadership, JTV has become the leader in the sourcing and selling of color gemstones and jewelry.

This page was created on June 27, 2014.

This page was last edited on October 24, 2019.