Hiddenite is the strongly pleochroic, bright green variety of spodumene. First discovered in North Caroline by W. E. Hidden in 1879.
Gemological Information for Hiddenite
| Color: | Green |
| Crystal Structure: | Monoclinic |
| Refractive Index: | 1.662 to 1.676 |
| Durability: | Poor |
| Hardness: | 6.5 to 7 |
| Family: | |
| Similar Stones: | Tourmaline, Peridot, Beryl |
| Treatments: | Irradiation |
| Country of Origin: | Afghanistan, Madagascar |
Hiddenite Care
| Ultrasonic Cleaning: | Never |
| Steam Cleaning: | Never |
| Warm Soapy Water: | Safe |
| Chemical Attack: | Reacts Slowly to Hydrofluoric Acid |
| Light Sensitivity: | Irradiated Green Fades Quickly |
| Heat Sensitivity: | Sensitive |
Sources
- Gem Reference Guide, Los Angeles: Gemological Institute of America, 1988. Pp. 229-231.
- Newman, Harold. An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, New York: Thames and Hudson, 1981. Pp. 154-155.
- Schumann, Walter. Gemstones of the World, New York: Sterling Publishing, Co., 1977. Pp. 114.