Hiddenite: Green Spodumene for Your Scene

Although hiddenite has been in existence for a long time, it has not yet become as well known as other green gemstones, such as emerald, peridot, or tourmaline. Hiddenite is a rare gemstone that has only been found in a few places. Spread the word about hiddenite as you wear it with pride wherever you hit the scene.

Hiddenite Necklaces

Hiddenite Pendants

Hiddenite Rings

 

Hiddenite, also known as Lithia emerald or green kunzite, was discovered near Stony Point in Alexander County, North Carolina, in 1879. A gentleman with the name "Lackey" brought samples of the stones to J. A. D. Stephenson, a mineral collector and merchant in that area. Mr. Stephenson presented the stones to William Earl Hidden, a geologist, who then submitted the samples to John Lawrence Smith, a mineralogist and chemist in Kentucky. Mr. Smith, after studying the samples, determined they were from the spodumene family of minerals. He then named the gemstones hiddenite in honor of Mr. Hidden. Hiddenite, North Carolina, population 5,871 (as of 2007), was named after the gemstone. The town continues to prosper and grow as more people are becoming aware of it.

 

For a long time, Hiddenite, North Carolina was the only place hiddenite had been found. Recently, more has been found in Madagascar, China, and Brazil. The hiddenite found in North Carolina has a beautiful green color. The transaparent green spodumenes found elsewhere (Pakistan and Afghanistan) sometimes appear light green or yellowish green in color.

 

The color of the hiddenite gemstone is a bit lighter than that of an emerald. However, the hiddenite gemstone usually gets an emerald cut. At 6 ½ to 7 on the Mohs scale, this stone is somewhat fragile and will chip upon excessive impact. Due to its cleavage, it is a challenge for gem cutters and thus necessitates an emerald cut. Additionally, gem cutters take special care when cutting hiddenite. The hiddenite gemstone is plechroistic, meaning when it is viewed from different directions, the shades of color will get deeper or lighter. The cutter will design the hiddenite so the deepest color green shows through the top of the gem. A hiddenite gemstone is more valuable with a deeper green color. When selecting a hiddenite gemstone, look for color first and then clarity. Hiddenite is a transparent stone and should be clean and clear.

 

Due to the difficulty in cutting, hiddenite is usually found in larger stone sizes that are more suitable for pendants or rings—wear yours to help promote this beautiful gemstone and look smart. Metaphysically, hiddenite has been said to stimulate the intellect. 

 

Hiddenite, as mentioned earlier, belongs to the spodumene family. Kunzite, the pink gemstone, is also a spodumene. Both hiddenite and kunzite should never be cleaned using ultrasonic methods. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat or bright lights as these will cause the color of both of the stones to fade.

Crystal Healing

 

 

 

 

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