Description

Hiddenite Tumbled Stones

White Hiddenite, also known as colorless Spodumene, is a fairly rare gem. This unique mineral is characterized by its subtle elegance and has a historical significance as well.

It is in the Monoclinic crystal system and is characterized by prismatic crystals that can be quite large and well-formed. Its cleavage is perfect in two directions, which requires careful handling during cutting and setting to avoid damage but rates 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable.

Hiddenite, in general, was first discovered in the late 19th century in North Carolina, USA, by William Earl Hidden, an American mineralogist and gemologist. In 1880 Hidden traveled from New Jersey to North Carolina in search of platinum for Thomas Edison. The green variety of Spodumene was named “Hiddenite” in his honor. While the green variety is more commonly known, the colorless form, or White Hiddenite, is a lesser-known but equally beautiful variant.

White Hiddenite is primarily found in lithium-rich pegmatite deposits, often alongside other Spodumene varieties such as Kunzite (pink to lilac Spodumene) and green Hiddenite. Significant deposits have been found in Brazil, Afghanistan, and Madagascar, with North Carolina remaining its historical site of discovery.