Grandidierite
Last updated: April 2026
Grandidierite is an exceptionally rare borosilicate mineral from Madagascar displaying diagnostic strong trichroism in dark blue-green, pale blue, and colorless-to-pale-yellow; faceted transparent specimens are among the most valuable and coveted collector gemstones.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.590–1.623
SG Range2.85–2.98
SG Typical2.95
Hardness (Mohs)7–7.5
Crystal SystemOrthorhombic
Optic CharacterDR Biaxial (−)
Birefringence0.033
Dispersion0.015
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismStrong Trichroic
ColorsBlue Violet, Green
SpeciesGrandidierite ((Mg,Fe)Al₃(BO₃)(SiO₄)O₂)
Key Differentiators
- Extreme trichroism: dark blue-green / pale blue / colorless-to-pale-yellow — essentially diagnostic for this gem
- Biaxial negative with notable birefringence 0.037 — birefringence visible under loupe in larger stones
- Lower RI (1.583–1.639) and SG (2.85–2.98) than teal sapphire (RI 1.762, SG 4.00) — very different density
- One of the world's rarest gem minerals — primary source is Anivorano district, Madagascar
- Chelsea filter inert — no Cr or Fe reaction; distinguishes from chrome tourmaline and some green gems
Common Simulants
- Teal Sapphire: Teal sapphire: uniaxial negative DR, RI 1.762–1.778 (much higher), SG 3.99–4.01 (much denser); dichroic not trichroic; easy separation by RI and SG.
- Blue Tourmaline / Indicolite: Tourmaline: uniaxial negative (trigonal), RI 1.614–1.643 (lower range), SG 2.82–3.32; different trichroism pattern (effectively dichroic); Chelsea inert.
- Aquamarine: Aquamarine: uniaxial negative, RI 1.577–1.583 (lower), SG 2.68–2.80 (lower); dichroic (blue-green / near-colorless); typically paler blue with less saturation.
- Blue Zircon: Zircon: uniaxial DR with extreme birefringence (0.036–0.059); RI 1.810–2.024 (much higher); SG 3.90–4.73; strong facet doubling visible under loupe — completely different profile from grandidierite.
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$500
Natural — high ($/ct)$10,000
NotePer carat; transparent faceted material $500–5,000/ct fine; exceptional vivid trichroic stones can exceed $10,000/ct due to extreme rarity; primary source Anivorano district, Madagascar; translucent material much less expensive
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a grandidierite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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