Canasite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
The material usually seen on the market as “canasite” is purplish in color. It is frequently confused with another purplish material, a member of the serpentine family known as stichtite. However, stichtite occurs in elongated fibers that have a kind of lustrous sheen, almost asbestiform, whereas canasite is granular. Recent research seems to indicate that, in fact, the material being called “canasite” has no canasite in it but is a new, distinct species.
The material usually seen on the market as “canasite” is purplish in color. It is frequently confused with another purplish material, a member of the serpentine family known as stichtite. However, stichtite occurs in elongated fibers that have a kind of lustrous sheen, almost asbestiform, whereas canasite is granular. Recent research seems to indicate that, in fact, the material being called “canasite” has no canasite in it but is a new, distinct species.
Start an IGS Membership today
for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Canasite Value
OPTICS: a = 1.534; β = 1.538; γ = 1.543
Biaxial (-), 2V, ~53°
OCCURRENCE: Occurs in pegmatite in the Khibina Tundra, USSR
COMMENTS: The material usually seen on the market as "canasite" is purplish in color. It is frequently confused with another purplish material, a member of the serpentine family known as stichtite. However, stichtite occurs in elongated fibers that have a kind of lustrous sheen, almost asbestiform, whereas canasite is granular. Recent research seems to indicate that, in fact, the material being called "canasite" has no canasite in it but is a new, distinct species.
NAME: From the composition: Ca, Na, and Si.
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. joelarem.com
Related Articles
Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Latest Articles
21 Pink Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
How Does Topaz Form?
Sphene (Titanite) Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Citrine Buying Guide
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!