Pollucite — Collector’s Vault

Species: Pollucite (cesium-bearing pegmatite mineral; cesium aluminosilicate hydrate)
Weight: 1.52 carats
Measurements: 7.62 × 6.44 × 3.92 mm
Cut: Rectangular step cut
Color: Colorless to very pale
Clarity: Included (visible internal features typical of faceted pollucite)
Treatment: None

Condition and Optics

This rectangular step cut emphasizes transparency and internal structure rather than brilliance. Broad step facets reveal internal veils and stress features that are typical of faceted pollucite and more apparent in step-cut styles. Face-up appearance is calm and glassy, with restrained light return rather than sparkle. The cut prioritizes stability and material retention over optical performance.

Geological Context

Pollucite is a cesium-rich mineral that forms in granitic pegmatites, where crystals develop in chemically specialized pockets during late-stage igneous processes. Facetable material is uncommon, as pollucite is more frequently encountered as mineral specimens or industrial cesium ore rather than gem rough. When cut, pollucite is typically acquired by collectors seeking rare mineral species rather than conventional jewelry stones.

Rarity

Pollucite is an uncommon cesium-bearing mineral that is seldom encountered in faceted form. While it is mineralogically significant as the primary ore of cesium, the overwhelming majority of pollucite occurs as opaque, fractured, or industrial-grade material unsuitable for cutting. Transparent crystals of sufficient size and stability to facet are rare, and a high proportion fail during cutting due to inherent brittleness and cleavage.

As a result, faceted pollucite occupies a narrow and specialized collector market. Availability is irregular and dependent on sporadic recovery from chemically extreme granitic pegmatites rather than ongoing commercial production. Stones of this size with usable transparency and coherent geometry are not routinely replaceable and typically circulate through collector and specialty mineral channels rather than mainstream gemstone trade.

Wear Considerations

Pollucite has a hardness of approximately Mohs 6.5 and is not suited for daily-wear rings. If set, it performs best in protected designs such as bezels or deeply seated mounts, or in lower-impact wear categories like pendants. This stone is offered first and foremost as a collector specimen.

Price

$195.00 USD
Pollucite does not have a standardized retail price guide. Faceted material trades within a thin collector market where value is driven by size, cut integrity, transparency, and availability rather than brilliance or durability. Pricing for this stone reflects its 1.52-carat size, natural untreated condition, and the limited availability of facetable pollucite, while acknowledging internal features emphasized by the step cut. It is positioned for a collector buyer rather than mass-market jewelry use.