Weloganite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Does Weloganite Make a Good Jewelry Stone?

Discovered in 1966 in the Francon quarry in Montreal, Quebec, weloganite is a very rare strontium zirconium carbonate mineral. To date, the only known gem-quality material has come from this now closed site.

Although this transparent to translucent gemstone can show attractive, pale yellow colors, it has perfect cleavage and a hardness of just 3.5. Any stones worn as jewelry would be very susceptible to cracks and scratches. Protective settings and occasional wear would be advisable.

You're more likely to find any rare, faceted weloganites in mineral collections or museums than jewelry collections.

Identifying Characteristics

Weloganites are pyroelectric. When heated, they generate an electrical charge.

Some weloganites may also have triboluminescence. When rubbed or broken, they may show blue light.

Are There Synthetic Weloganites?

There are no known synthetic weloganites or enhancements for these gems.

Where is Weloganite Found?

Aside from the type locality, weloganites occur in theLafarge Montreal East quarry, also in Montreal, thePoudrette quarry in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, theDemix-Varennes quarry in Varennes and St-Amable, Quebec, and theEden Lake Complex in Manitoba.

Outside of Canada, the only known source of weloganites is thePilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex in North West province, South Africa.

Stone Sizes

Gem cutters have faceted clean, yellowish stones, usually under ½ carat.

National Museums of Canada (Ottawa, Ontario): 4.27 (light greyish yellow); 0.52 (light yellow).

How to Care for Weloganites

Store weloganites separately from other harder stones to avoid contact scratches. Clean weloganites with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. See our gemstone jewelry care guide for more recommendations.