Pollucite Gemstone, 1.94 Carat, Trapezoid Step Cut | Collector’s Vault

Pollucite — Collector’s Vault

Species: Pollucite (cesium-bearing pegmatite mineral; cesium aluminosilicate hydrate)
Weight: 1.94 carats
Measurements: 9.54 × 6.54 × 4.53 mm
(narrowest width approx. 4.37 mm)
Cut: Trapezoid step cut
Color: Colorless to near colorless
Clarity: Included (visible internal features typical of faceted pollucite)
Treatment: None

Condition and Optics

This trapezoid step cut emphasizes angular geometry and taper rather than symmetry. Broad step facets reveal internal veils and fractures that are typical for pollucite and more apparent in step-cut styles. Face-up, the stone presents a calm, glassy appearance with minimal brilliance, consistent with the optical character of the species. The cut prioritizes material retention and stability over light performance.

Geological Context

Pollucite is a cesium-rich mineral that forms in granitic pegmatites, where crystals grow 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, it is typically acquired by collectors who seek 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

$225

Pollucite does not have a standardized retail price guide. Faceted material trades within a narrow collector market where value is based on size, cut integrity, transparency, and availability rather than brilliance or durability. Pricing for this stone reflects its larger carat weight, natural untreated condition, and the limited availability of facetable pollucite, while accounting for internal features emphasized by the step cut. It is priced for a collector buyer rather than mass-market jewelry use.