Holtite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
This mineral was first noted in 1937 but was not described in detail until 1971. It has not yet been seen as a gem, but the high hardness would allow it be worn with no risk of scratching. Holtite is now considered to be a variety of dumortierite. The mineral comes from the one locality, and a cut stone would have to be considered a great rarity.
This mineral was first noted in 1937 but was not described in detail until 1971. It has not yet been seen as a gem, but the high hardness would allow it be worn with no risk of scratching. Holtite is now considered to be a variety of dumortierite. The mineral comes from the one locality, and a cut stone would have to be considered a great rarity.
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for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Holtite Value
Optics:a= 1.743-1.746; β= 1.756-1.759; γ= 1.758-1.761.
Biaxial (-), 2V= 49-55°.
Occurrence: Alluvial tin deposit near Greenoushes, Western Australia, associated with cassiterite.
Comments: This mineral was first noted in 1937 but was not described in detail until 1971. It has not yet been seen as a gem, but the high hardness would allow it be worn with no risk of scratching. Holtite is now considered to be a variety of dumortierite. The mineral comes from the one locality, and a cut stone would have to be considered a great rarity.
Name: After Harold E. Holt, prime minister of Australia from 1966 to 1967.
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
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