0.37 ct HIDDENITE – USA

Hiddenite While many are familiar with the pinkish hues of Kunzite, Hiddenite is its much rarer, green-clad sibling. It is the chromium-bearing variety of Spodumene, and it is a stone that demands respect from any lapidary. I have always found it to be one of the most temperamental minerals to work with; it is notoriously pleochroic, meaning it shifts colors depending on the angle you view it, and its perfect cleavage makes it prone to splintering if you aren't careful. But when you get it right—when you align the facets to capture that vivid, emerald-green "flash"—it produces a gemstone with a sophisticated brilliance that Kunzite simply cannot match. The Heritage & Discovery Historical Significance: Hiddenite holds a unique place in American mineralogy as one of the few precious gemstones first discovered in the United States. Since its debut in the late 19th century, it has been a favorite among connoisseurs who appreciate its rarity compared to other green stones. Because its color is derived from chromium—the same element that greens emerald—it possesses a depth of color that is both natural and remarkably vibrant. Discovery: The mineral was first identified in 1879 by William Earl Hidden, an exploration geologist sent to North Carolina by Thomas Edison to find platinum. Instead of platinum, Hidden found these striking green crystals. The mineral was subsequently named in his honor by J. Lawrence Smith, a prominent chemist and mineralogist of the era. Important Mines: The type locality in Hiddenite, North Carolina, remains the most historically significant source, though production there is sporadic. In recent decades, high-quality, facet-grade Hiddenite has also emerged from the Kunarsky District in Afghanistan and the Laghman Province, as well as notable deposits in Brazil and Pakistan. These international sources have provided the "bottle-green" rough that allows us to cut larger, cleaner stones than were previously possible. Mineralogical Profile Description: Hiddenite is the green variety of the pyroxene mineral Spodumene. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and sits at a 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs scale. Its defining characteristic is its strong pleochroism, often showing shades of deep emerald green, teal, and even a yellowish-green when rotated. Because of its "perfect" cleavage in two directions, it is extremely difficult to facet; the pressure of the lap must be perfectly balanced to avoid cleaving the stone along its internal planes. Chemical Formula: LiAl(SiO₃)₂