Dumortierite Beads

Dumortierite beads are made of a mineral called boro-silicate named for the French paleontologist, Eugene Dumortier, who discovered it. It's primary source is France. In addition to its use in jewelry making and as a mineral specimen, it is used in the manufacture of high grade ceramics and porcelain.

It is opaque, translucent, and transparent indigo blue to violet, but also pink and brown. It may be fluorescent under black light. It may be erroneously identified as blue denim lapis lazuli or sodalite.

Its use in jewelry supplies does not include cut calibrated gems, due to its opacity, but it makes fine gemstone beads and cabochons.

New age thinkers believe it enhances organization, self-discipline, and orderliness.

In jewelry making, gemstone beads of dumorierite make fine companions to river stone, sodalite, lapis lazuli, sky quartz, angelite, blue lace agate, or chalcedony. It is something akin to blue denim, and thus also mates well with red stones, such as red jasper.

common treatments: none

special care: normal jewelry care (avoid abrasion, impact, and harsh chemicals)

hardness: 7