Hackmanite Gemstone Information![]() About Hackmanite - History and IntroductionHackmanite is an exceptionally rare sulfur-rich variety of sodalite which exhibits tenebrescence (the ability of minerals to change color when exposed to sunlight). It was first discovered in Greenland in 1896 by L. C. Boergstroem, and was later named after Victor Axel Hackman (1866-1941), a Finnish geologist. However, it wasn't until recently (1991) that the first gem-quality hackmanite deposit was discovered in Quebec, Canada. Hackmanite appears pale to deep violet when first mined, but once exposed to sunlight, the color quickly fades to grayish or greenish-white. When placed back into a dark place or when exposed to short wave ultraviolet light, the violet color slowly returns. The change in color can be seen within seconds of being exposed to sunlight, but the return of the original color can sometimes take up to a week. The tenebrescence effect can be repeated indefinitely, but is detroyed by heating. The tenebrescence effect seen in hackmanite is the rarest of all gemstone optical phenomena. It is often confused with the 'color change' phenomenon, where materials can shift color under different types of light sources. Another term for tenebrescence is 'reversible photochromism'. A common example of reversible photochromism can be seen in everyday color-change eyeglass lenses. Color-change eyeglasses darken when exposed to sunlight and lighten up again when they are brought indoors. The effect is caused by a photochemical reaction to UV radiation and is known to occur in only a few rare materials.
Hackmanite is member of the feldspathoid group of minerals. The feldspathoids are a group of tectosilicates which closely resemble feldspars but exhibit a slightly different structure and lower silica composition. Hackmanite is sulfur-rich chloric sodium aluminum silicate with a hardness of 5.50 to 6.00 on the Mohs scale. It has a low density or specific gravity of 2.14 to 2.40, making it one of the least dense of all gemstones (slightly denser than opal). Most hackmanite is opaque, but high quality specimens can occur transparent to translucent in form. Hackmanite can be easily identified and distinguished from its parent stone 'sodalite' by the presence of sulfur and color change tenebrescence. Hackmanite was first discovered in Greenland, but it can also be found in a few other locations, including Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma) and Quebec, Canada. Striking purple hackmanite originating from the lazurite mines of Sar-e Sang, Koksha Valley of Badakshan Province in Afghanistan are considered the most desirable of hackmanite stones, which are highly sought after by gem and mineral collectors.
Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms.
Hackmanite is a sulfur-rich variety of sodalite. Sodalite is mostly known for its blue color, but it can actually occur colorless, gray, yellow, green, violet, blue to deep blue and pink. There are no other gemstone varieties closely-related to hackmanite and sodalite, although they both share mineralogical similarities with many of the feldspar varieties. Other gemstones that can be easily confused with sodalite and hackmanite include many popular gemstones, such as blue lapis lazuli, blue azurite, blue lazulite and blue dumortierite quartz. Hackmanite is known as the 'stone of eternal belonging'. It is a stone which is said to remind us of how everything has its own time and place. Hackmanite encourages its wearer to recognize that all things have belonging. Hackmanite is thought to be helpful for those who suffer from harassment, fear and apprehension. It is believed to stimulate audacity and strengthen self-esteem, while encouraging feelings of happiness, confidence and contentment. Hackmanite is sometimes referred to as the chameleon stone, and depending on the actual color state of the stone, it is thought to provide different metaphysical abilities and healing powers. Although it is not an official birthstone for any month, hackmanite is associated with the astrological sign of Sagittarius. It is believed to be an excellent stone for the throat, third eye and heart chakra.
Hackmanite is exceptionally rare. It is considered a collector's stone and is not recommended for jewelry wear. It is relatively soft, but with its indistinct cleavage, it's actually quite durable. For those seeking incredibly rare jewelry, hackmanite could be worn with care as a pendant or brooch. On the other hand, sodalite, the more common blue sister stone of hackmanite, is quite often used for cabochon and beaded jewelry. It is also very popular for use in the making of arts and crafts as well as ornamental gemstone carvings. Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamond by weight in comparison.
Always remove any hackmanite jewelry when participating in any strenuous physical activity, such as playing sports, doing household chores or exercising. When storing hackmanite, always store it separately and away from other gems and jewelry. If possible, it is best to wrap it in a soft cloth or place it inside a fabric-lined jewelry box. |
- First Published: January-22-2014
- Last Updated: January-17-2019
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