Hiddenite
Spodumene
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
Hiddenite is the green chromium-rich variety of spodumene, which is rarer than its pink sibling, kunzite. Hiddenite is named for American gemologist William Hidden, who first discovered this transparent green variety in North Carolina in the area that now also bears its name, Hiddenite.
General Information
Common Name
Hiddenite
Species
Spodumene
Transparency
Transparent
Dispersion
Strength: Moderate Fire Value: 0.017
Refractive Index
1.648-1.682
Birefringence
0.014- 0.018
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Positive
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: inert to weak orangy red, pink or yellow
LWUV: inert to weak orangy red, pink or yellow
LWUV: inert to weak orangy red, pink or yellow
Pleochroism
Trichroic, moderate to strong, yellowish green, green, blue-green
Hardness
6.5-7
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
3.030-3.230 Typical:3.180
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
Hiddenite is a type I clarity stone. Stones might contain growth and etch tubes, healing cracks, liquid and multi-phase inclusions.
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Uneven, Splintery
Cleavage
Perfect, in two directions
Chemical Name
Lithium aluminum silicate
Chemical Formula
LiAlSi2O6
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate
Hiddenite Colors
-
Green -
Green
Countries of Origin
Afghanistan; Unknown; Sri Lanka; China; United States of America; Finland; Brazil; Madagascar
Care
Some stones cleave or fracture easily. Wear with care. Irradiated stones require gentle care. Avoid prolonged exposure to light and heat to prevent color fading. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.