Albite Gemstone Information - A detailed guide with images

The Allure of Albite Gemstones: Beyond Ordinary White Gems

Discover the world of albite, a feldspar mineral that transcends ages to reveal a stunning array of gemstone variations and everyday uses. Feldspar serves as an important mineral for numerous industries, but its true allure lies in its exceptional outliers that are crafted into jewelry and adored by collectors.

Step into a realm where mesmerizing powers, faceted treasures, fascinating specimens, and historical origins intertwine to create a mesmerizing tapestry of beauty and intrigue.

Albite Information - From Ordinary Feldspar to Collectable Gemstone

Albite is a feldspar mineral with various industrial applications. It plays a crucial role in soil nutrition by breaking down through erosion and releasing vital minerals and nutrients for thriving plants.

Surprisingly, albite even finds its way into toothpaste formulations. Despite being one of the most abundant minerals on the planet, only a small portion of albite possesses the quality suitable for gemstone purposes.

Albites uses in Jewelry

Albite gemstones add a touch of elegance and sophistication to jewelry designs. Smooth, polished albite beads can be incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Moreover, faceted albite gemstones are often used as centerpieces in various types of jewelry settings due to their rarity and beauty.

The natural transparency of albite allows for the creation of beautiful, sparkling gemstones with a variety of stunning effects, making them perfect for fine jewelry.

Albite's Hidden Legacy - The Origins of the Gemsone's Name

The name "albite" is derived from the Latin word "albus", meaning "white", reflecting the mineral's typical white coloration. However, albite and its close cronies lost some of their glory when cleavelandite, the star of the show, was officially named by Henry J. Brooke after Parker Cleaveland in 1823, permanently distinguishing itself from our beloved albite.

Interestingly, cleavelandite had already been described before by Johann Friedrich Ludwig Hausmann in 1817 under the name "kieselspath." Additionally, in 1815, Hans Peter Eggertz identified a similar mineral he called "granular and radiated albite."

Albite in Crystal Healing and Spiritual Growth

Within the realm of crystal healing, albite emerges as a familiar companion, believed by some to hold profound healing properties for the mind, body, and soul. Albite enthusiasts attest to its ability to enhance health, foster well-being, and nurture spiritual growth while instilling clarity and emotional equilibrium into their lives.

Albite holds profound symbolism as a purveyor of clarity, purity, and spiritual growth. It cleanses and purifies individuals, bestowing upon its beholders a sense of mental acuity and emotional balance.

Chakra Healing with Albite

Albite gems have a sacred connection to the crown chakra, the energy center that resides atop the head and represents spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that albite acts as a catalyst for the activation and expansion of this profound chakra. By harmonizing with this energy center, albite is thought to facilitate an enhanced state of spiritual awareness and a deeper connection to the divine through the art of chakra healing.

Additionally, albite is believed to possess the power to foster communication and understanding between individuals, acting as a harmonizing force that promotes serenity and unity within relationships.

Color and Size and Types of Albite

Commonly found albite specimens suitable for collectors are predominantly white or whitish in color.

Exclusive faceted albite gems are quite rare and usually found in the 1-3 carat range. Another highly prized form of albite is known as catseye albite and it can weigh lots more than faceted cleavelandite with immaculate specimens weighing in at over 12 carats and the largest albite catseye gemstones coming in at 50+ carats!

Occasionally, translucent albite is discovered that has a vibrant green hue which is by far the most valuable when it comes to color. Additionally, transparent stones can contain a desirable blue or yellow tinge.

Sometimes albite is found in intergrowth with emeralds, creating intriguing combinations for gem enthusiasts and collectors of gem specimens.

Varieties of Albite Gemstones

Albite exhibits various intriguing varieties, including gems that contain albite as a partial component.

Let's explore some of these distinct types:

1. Peristerite: A white or blue albite variety with oligoclase, peristerite showcases layered structures that create iridescence and occasional adularescence.
2. Cleavelandite: Comprising thin, tabular sheets stacked together, cleavelandite forms a plated albite variety.
3. Moonstone: Moonstone, recognized for its milky translucence, pearly luster, and ethereal glow, is predominantly composed of alternating layers of albite and orthoclase feldspar.
4. Labradorite & Spectrolite: Labradorite and its Finnish variety, spectrolite, comprise approximately 30-50% albite and 50-70% anorthite.
5. Maw Sit Sit: Maw-sit-sit is a rare, vivid green gemstone resembling jade, characterized by black and dark green veining.

Albite’s Luster and Characteristics

Albite’s light dispersion and refractive index are relatively unimpressive and albite exhibits a relatively low level of dispersion. Albite’s draw is its vitreous, pearly luster.

Notable Sources of Albite

Some notable locations where albite can be found include Essex County, New York; Ontario and Quebec in Canada; Madagascar; and Austria. The Rutherford Mine in Amelia, Virginia, is another notable site for albite occurrences. Notable sources of cleavelandite are South Dakota, Brazil, and Kenya.

Kenya in particular, is known for its colorless crystals that can contain hints of blue or yellow.

Essential Tips for Cleaning and Storing Albite Gemstones

Albite gemstones require standard care and maintenance. Safely clean your albite by gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush dipped in a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Thoroughly rinse off any soapy residue and use a soft, microfiber cloth to dry the stone.

To prevent scratches, store albite separately from other gemstones. It is recommended to keep them in a dry environment, as moisture can potentially cause weathering-like deterioration over time, especially for rough specimens.

Albite - Technical Information

Albite belongs to the feldspar mineral. Its Mohs hardness ranges from 6 - 6.5, and it has a density of 2.75 - 2.69, with a refractive index of 1.527 - 1.538, and a specific gravity of 2.62 - 2.65.

Albite Properties