Gaspeite
A relatively new gemstone variety reported in 1966 on the Gaspé Peninsula in Canada. In its early days of circulation, it was sometimes mistaken for chrysoprase. Its primary sources are Australia and Canada, where it is found as complex aggregates mixed with magnesite ( magnesite) or quartz.
Lustrous lemon to yellow-green Gaspeite
Basic Information
| English Name | Gaspeite |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Ryo-nickel-ko (Gaspeite) |
| Chemical Formula | NiCO3 |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal (Trigonal) |
| Hardness | 6 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.73 (varies due to mixed crystals) |
Characteristics & Variations
- Type I: Mixed crystal with magnesite (Specific gravity 3.2–3.9). Brighter tone than pure Gaspeite.
- Type II: Mixed crystal with quartz (Specific gravity 3.0–3.7). Tone is nearly identical to pure Gaspeite.
- Type III: Magnesite + quartz (Specific gravity 2.7–2.9). Lighter green. Traded as "Lemon Chrysoprase."
- Dendritic Gaspeite: Type II or III containing dendritic patterns.
Origin, Aliases, Treatments, & Similar Stones
Primary Origins: Australia, Canada.
Occurrence: Found as veins in silica-rich dolomite in Canada, and as massive blocks in the oxidation zones of nickel sulfide deposits in Australia (trade name "Alluna").
Treatments: Dyeing to enhance vibrancy, oil/resin impregnation.
Similar Stones: Garnierite (mineral group), etc. While they look similar, the fact that Gaspeite is more waxy and less transparent than chrysoprase is a key identification clue.