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July 12, 2026
Paudlettite Loose Complete Buyer's Guide
What is poudretite? How to tell value, market price, rarity and fakes | Jewelry specialty store SELBY
◈ Gemstone Guide / RARE GEMSTONE
What is poudretite? World's rarest classof A thorough explanation of pink gemstones
It is a rare stone that even gemstone identification experts rarely have the opportunity to see faceted in real life. Jewelry specialty store SELBY will explain everything from value, market price, origin, rarity, how to identify fakes, and precautions when buying and selling with illustrations.
mohs hardnessabout 5
main colorlight pink to purple
Gem-quality production areamyanmar
market distributionMainly small particles
Supervisor
Supervised | SUPERVISED BY
Takazo Saito (Selby Co., Ltd.)
Buyer for the Komehei Group's only company specializing in jewelry. In addition to supervising the e-commerce, SNS, loose, and product production departments, he is also in charge of purchasing rare stones. We specialize in determining authenticity and evaluating value, and work to protect consumers and improve market transparency by disseminating gemological information.
◈ 30 seconds summary
Poudretteiteis one of the rarest gemstones in the world, ranging from colorless to pale pink to purplish pink.
The chemical composition is KNa₂B₃Si₁₂O₃₀(Silicate containing potassium, sodium, and boron). Belongs to the osmirite/mirarite group,Sugilite's companionIt corresponds to
Mohs hardness is approximately 5It is soft and suitable for pendants and collectibles rather than rings.
Discovered in Canada in the 1960s,The first cuttable gem-quality stone was created in Mogok, Myanmar in 2000.Found it.
It is said that many of the cut stones found on the market are small, and the price varies greatly depending on the quality.Stones whose standard market price has not been determinedIt is.
Distribution volume is extremely low,Stones that claim to be "large, cheap, and completely intact" are likely to be other minerals, glass, artificial materials, or mislabeled.Therefore, caution is required.
01
What is poudretite? (Basic data)
Poudretteite (English name: Poudretteite) is a silicate mineral containing potassium, sodium, and boron, and is a pink stone that is extremely rare as a gemstone. The name comes from the man who operated a quarry in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada, where it was discovered.Poudrette familyIt was named after.
Classifying gemstones, paudretite isOsumi Light/Mira Light Group※1belongs to. This group is known for its purple colorSugilite (cedar stone)This includes Miralite, Sogdianite, etc. It may be easier to imagine its position if you think of it as being related to Sugilite.
◈ Chemical composition
KNa₂B₃Si₁₂O₃₀ Silicates containing K, Na, and B
◈ Mineral Group
Osumi Light/ mira light group
◈ Crystal system
hexagonal system
◈ Color
Colorless to light pink ~ purplish pink
◈ Mohs hardness
about 5 Same level as apatite
◈ Specific gravity
Approximately 2.51~2.53
◈ Refractive index
Approximately 1.511~1.532 Uniaxial (+)
◈ Birefringence
Approximately 0.021
◈ Main production area for gemstones
myanmar Mogok
▲ Diagram ① Paudlettite basic data quick reference table
⚠ Important points to note as primary information
There is information on the Internet that describes paudrettite as a "mineral containing beryllium," but this is not true.mistakeIt is. The actual chemical composition is a silicate containing boron (B) and no beryllium. When making appraisals and purchasing decisions, please refer to information that accurately describes the chemical composition and Mohs hardness (approximately 5).
Compare Mohs hardness with major gemstones
Poudretite isMohs hardness is approximately 5As a gemstone, it is soft. When placed side by side with familiar gemstones, its softness can be seen at a glance.
Diagram ⑩ Mohs hardness comparison
diamond
10
sapphire
9
topaz
8
crystal (quartz)
7
opal
5.5
paudlettite
5
Hardness of approximately 5 is the same as apatite. They are better suited for protective settings and pendants rather than rings that can easily be bumped.
※1 In the mineralogical literature, both the names ``Osumilite Group'' and ``Miralite Group'' have been used (in the original paper, it is treated as the osumilite group, and in the current mineral database, it is also treated as a member of the Osumilite Group). In this article, it will be referred to as "Osumilite/Miralite Group."
02
Color and beauty of paudlettite
The charm of poudretite is above allSoft clear pink to purplish pink hueIt is located in Colorless stones also exist, but the most popular gemstones are slightly colored pastel pink to rose pink stones.
This pink to purple-pink colorPossibility that manganese is involvedHowever, the influence of other trace elements and color centers is also considered,The color mechanism is not completely elucidated. It is not a strong color, but has a pale and elegant color, and when held up to the light, it has a clear shine like glass (glass luster).
Diagram ② Color rangeIn general, stones that maintain transparency, have a clear pink to purple-pink color, and have less uneven color tend to be more highly valued. Colorless and light-colored stones are sometimes found as rare mineral specimens.
At the moment, in paudretiteGeneralized treatments such as heating and impregnation have not been widely reported.. However, since the amount in circulation is extremely small, testing at a specialized institution is required to determine whether or not each individual stone has been treated. The untreated natural color is one of the factors valued by collectors.
03
Why is Paudrettite “the world’s rarest class”?
Paudrettite is considered one of the rarest gemstones in the world. There are three main reasons for this.
Production areas are extremely limited
Mogok in Myanmar is a representative and major source of gemstone quality. In Canada, where it was discovered, only small crystals a few millimeters in size were collected.
Few gemstone crystals
Transparent, beautiful, high-quality crystals are extremely rare, and the cut stones found on the market are often small. High-quality faceted stones over 1 carat are rare to find on the market.
Short history of distribution
It was approved as a new mineral in 1986, and the original paper describing it was published in 1987. The gemstone was discovered in 2000, so it has a short history as a gemstone, and only a small number of gemstones have ever appeared on the market.
▲ Diagram ③ Three reasons why paudrettite is rare
Comparing rare gemstones
It becomes easier to imagine how rare it is when you compare it with other gemstones. Below are the jewelry marketEase of availabilityis organized qualitatively.
Diagram ⑪ Comparison of difficulty in obtaining on the market
jewelry
Distribution status in the market
General positioning
diamond
stable distribution
Widely distributed gemstones
sapphire
stable distribution
Rarity varies depending on production area and quality
Benitoite
Distribution volume is low
rare stone
red beryl
extremely few
worldwide rare stone
paudlettite
There are very few opportunities to see it in the market.
World's rarest class
*Since there are no unified statistics showing the exact distribution amount of each mineral, the table above summarizes the general difficulty of obtaining them in the jewelry market.
◈ At SELBY
We also purchase rare stones, but among them, paudretite is a stone that is extremely rare to arrive in stock. It can be said that the appearance of this stone on the market itself is akin to ``meguri-ase''.
◈ Poudretite is recommended for the following people
Those who want to collect rare stones
Those who want jewelry that does not overlap with other people
Those who value scarcity over asset quality
Those interested in museum-quality stones
04
Origin of paudlettite｜Canada and Myanmar
What is Mogok?Mogok in Myanmar is known as a representative and major source of gem-quality poudretite.Mogok is a world-famous gem producing region famous for rubies and spinels, and the first gem-quality specimen was confirmed here in 2000. What was found in Canada, where it was discovered, was tiny crystals (maximum size of approximately 5 mm) that were not of a quality or size that could be cut into gemstones.
The story of the Paudrettites spans two countries. Canada is where it was discovered, and Myanmar is where gem-quality stones are mined.
Diagram ④ Production area mapAlthough there is some information that mentions Madagascar and Tanzania, it is reasonable to think that Mogok, Myanmar is the main source of gemstones that can be produced with stable quality. In recent years, new production sites have been introduced in northeastern Mogok.
Chronology from discovery to the present
mid 1960s
Small crystals collected in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
1986
Approved as a new mineral "paudrettite" (paper published the following year in 1987)
2000
First gem-quality stones found in Mogok, Myanmar (initially only a few cut stones)
2000s~
A small number of cut stones end up in collectors and museums. In some cases, large items are kept in famous collections or museum-quality collections.
▲ Diagram ⑤ Chronology of discovery to distribution
◈ SELBY's rare stone/loose
For those looking for loose rare colored stones such as paudlettite. SELBY handles one-of-a-kind stones whose authenticity has been determined.
What's the price?There is no widely shared standard market price for poudretite.There are cases where even small grains are sold for tens of thousands of yen or more, and even grains less than 0.5 carat can be expensive depending on the color, clarity, cut, identification, and provenance. There are few opportunities for high-quality stones over 1 ct to appear on the market.Examples of proposals ranging from hundreds of thousands of yen to over 1 million yenYou can also see However, many of the published prices are suggested sales prices and may not be the actual closing price.
The price of paudlettite isDue to its rarity, it is expensive considering its size.It is a stone that is easy to become. However, there are few stones traded in the first place.Standard market price has not been determinedTherefore, it is not possible to indicate a fixed amount. Here, we will organize them as "ideas for each size".
What is the price of Paudoretite? ｜Considerations by size
Diagram ⑥ Concept of size and price
size
market thinking
Around 0.2ct
Depending on the quality, even small grains can cost tens of thousands of yen or more.
Around 0.5ct
Prices vary widely depending on color, transparency, and identification details.
1ct or more
Very little distribution, so individual evaluations are required.
Large grains/high quality
Cannot be evaluated using normal market tables
The reality of this stone is to look at its individuality without fixing the price. Most published prices are suggested sales prices and may not necessarily be closing prices.
◈ Reference: Example of presentation in overseas markets
On overseas sales sites, for example, a 1.01 ct stone costs about 8,200 USD.Asking priceYou can see examples with . However, thisThis is the listing (desired sales) price, not the closing price.. Please note that individual presentation examples cannot be considered as the general market price.
Main points that affect price
element
Tendency to be highly rated
color
Not too light, uniform and beautiful pink
Transparency (clarity)
Few inclusions, high transparency
carat (size)
If it exceeds 1 carat, the rarity increases.
cut
Polishing soft stones using advanced technology
Identification/history
You can check the stone type identification by a reliable organization and the provenance such as purchase history and old identification documents.
◈ In actual assessment
Not just “big and beautiful”Provenance documents such as identification documents that can confirm the type of stone and purchase historyWhether there is one will affect the evaluation. If there is no identification document, re-identification at a specialized institution may be required before or after the appraisal.
06
Paudretite in the second-hand market | SELBY's practical perspective
in the second hand market, Paudretite is rarely available in stores. The reason is simple: there are very few gem-quality stones in the world.
Unlike stones such as diamonds and sapphires that have a “market price list,” paudletiteStones that are evaluated individuallyIt is. Therefore, the following points are important in the practice of buying and selling second-hand cars.
Points to emphasize in practice
things to check
Identification book
Is there a reliable identification agency?
stone identity
Is it really paudlettite or is it being confused with another stone?
quality
Color/Transparency/Size
condition
Are there any chips or scratches (because it is a soft stone)?
◈ At SELBY
When assessing rare stones, we first place emphasis on confirming that the stone is truly as declared. It is no exaggeration to say that the appraisal value of rare stones is large, so determining the authenticity will determine the entire value. If you are thinking of selling,Make sure to have the certificate of authenticity and warranty at the time of purchaseThis leads to a smooth and convincing appraisal.
07
Beware of fake and imitation products of Paudlettite
How can you spot a fake?Be suspicious of stones that are ``large, extremely cheap, completely intact, and without identification documents.''There are very few opportunities to see high-quality faceted stones over 1 ct on the market, and cheap items weighing several tens of carats are likely to be imitations of other minerals, glass, etc., artificial materials, or mislabeling. The most certain thing isCheck the certificate of identification from a reliable identification organizationThat's it.
Unfortunately, rare and expensive jewelryMislabeling, imitations, and confusion with other stonesIt's haunting me. Pawdletite is no exception.
Common “suspicious patterns”
⚠ Be careful with such listings
・「37 carat and 49 carat paudrettite” are sold for tens of dollars.
・It claims to be “completely flawless” and “extra-large”
・The production area and identification document are ambiguous.
As mentioned above,There are very few opportunities to see high-quality faceted stones over 1 carat on the market.It's a stone. When a large number of stones that claim to be ``large, cheap, and completely undamaged'' are exhibited, many of them areIt is likely to be an imitation of another mineral, glass, or other artificial material, or a mislabeled or misidentified product.It is thought that.
Authenticity check flowchart
① Do you have a certificate of identification?Is it from a reliable identification agency?
② Is the size appropriate?Be careful not to buy large grains (several tens of carats) at a bargain price.
③ Is the price close to the market price?A stone that is too cheap may be something else.
④ Do the identification results match the properties?A specialized organization confirms the refractive index, specific gravity, optical properties, spectral characteristics, etc.
◎ Conditions are metUseful for determining the reliability of display
△ There are some unknown pointsCheck the identification of a professional organization before purchasing
▲ Diagram ⑦ Authenticity check flowchart (Hardness testing may damage the stone, so it is not included in the checks performed by the purchaser)
◈ At SELBY
We place great importance on identification when handling rare stones. It is safe to be suspicious of stones that meet the three criteria of being ``too cheap,'' ``too big,'' and ``no documentation.''
08
Points to note when purchasing poudretite
If you want to buy it?Be sure to check the following three points: ``Is there a certificate of identification?'' ``Is the stone name correctly identified?'' ``Is the price close to the market price?''Let's do it. It is soft with a hardness of about 5, so it is more suitable for pendants and collectibles than rings. It is safe to choose a store that has a history of handling rare stones.
When considering purchasing paudlettite, check the following points:
Check points
Check contents
Identification book
Is there a certificate of identification from a reliable identification organization?
Stone name notation
Is it correctly identified as “paudrettite”?
Reasonability of price
Be wary of super cheap items that are far off the market price.
size and rarity
I doubt the combination of large grains and super cheap.
Retailer
Do you have a track record of handling rare stones?
Compatibility with usage
Due to its hardness of approximately 5, it is more suitable for pendant collections than rings.
◈ At SELBY
We carefully explain the identification details and condition of the stones to customers who are looking for these rare stones. Checking both the ``beautiful appearance'' and ``documentary support'' will lead to a purchase you won't regret.
09
Points to consider when selling and appraising paudlettite
What about purchase/assessment?The basic idea is to have the certificate of authenticity and warranty and consult a specialty store that has experience handling rare stones.Stones are not mechanically determined based on market prices, but are evaluated based on color, clarity, size, identification details, and demand. The presence or absence of an identification document affects the certainty of confirming the stone type and the ease of proceeding with the assessment, and if there is no documentation, identification at a specialized institution may be required before or after the assessment. SELBY also accepts appraisal consultations.
If you are planning to sell or appraise your pawdrettite, the evaluation process will go smoothly if you prepare as follows.
prepare documents
Certificates of identification, warranties, purchase records, etc. make it easier to confirm the type of stone and its provenance. If documentation is not available, re-identification at a specialized institution may be necessary.
Check status
Chips and scratches will affect the evaluation. Be careful when handling.
Consult a specialty store
For stones whose market price is difficult to determine, go to a specialty store with a proven track record.
◈ In actual assessment
Rare stones like paudrettite are not determined mechanically based on market prices, but are evaluated based on color, clarity, size, documentation, market demand, and other factors. That's why,Consult with a store that has experience handling rare stones.leads to convincing results.
10
Handling and care of paudlettite
Paudrettite is soft with a Mohs hardness of approximately 5, and although it does not have cleavages, the cracks are brittle. To maintain beauty for a long time, be careful of the following points.
◎ Recommended
Store separately (do not collide with other jewelry)
Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth, lukewarm water, and neutral detergent
More suitable for pendants and earrings than rings
wear on special occasions
✕ Things to avoid
Ultrasonic cleaning/steam cleaning
Strong acid/alkaline detergent
Drop/impact/friction
sudden temperature change
Storage in contact with hard jewelry
▲ Diagram ⑧ Care “Do/Don’t”
Reference: Relationship between Osmilite/Miralite Group and Sugilite
Diagram ⑨ Osmilite/miralite group correlation diagramPaudrettite is a member of the osmilite/millerite group, but they are different minerals.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Q.What kind of gemstone is paudlettite?
It is a silicate mineral containing potassium, sodium, and boron, and is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, ranging from colorless to pale pink to purplish pink. It belongs to the Osmilite/Miralite group and is a member of Sugilite.
Q.Why is paudlettite so rare?
This is because the representative and main source of gemstone quality is limited to Mogok, Myanmar, and there are very few high-quality stones that can be cut. It is said that many of the cut stones found in the market are small, and high-quality faceted stones over 1 carat are rarely seen in the market.
Q.What is the average price of Pordletite?
There is no widely shared standard market price. There are cases where even small grains are sold for tens of thousands of yen or more, and depending on the quality, identification, and provenance, even grains less than 0.5 carat can be expensive. There are examples of high-quality stones over 1 ct being offered for hundreds of thousands of yen to over 1 million yen, but most of the published prices are suggested sales prices and are not necessarily the closing prices.
Q.What is the cause of the color of paudlettite?
Manganese may be involved in the pink to purple-pink color, but other trace elements and color centers are also thought to be involved, and the color development mechanism has not been completely elucidated. At present, the popular treatments such as heating and impregnation have not been widely reported, and the color is basically said to remain natural.
Q.Where can I get paudlettite?
It was discovered in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada, but only small crystals can be collected there. Mogok in Myanmar is known as a representative and major source of gem-quality paudrettite.
Q.What is the Mohs hardness? Can it be made into a ring?
Its hardness is approximately 5 on the Mohs scale, making it a soft gemstone. Because the cracks are brittle, it is said to be better suited for pendants, earrings, and collectibles rather than rings that can be easily bumped.
Q.What is the difference between paudlettite and sugilite?
Although both are members of the osmilite/millerite group, they are different minerals. Sugilite is mainly opaque to semi-transparent deep purple in color, while paudrettite is transparent and pale pink in color, and differs in that it can be mined as a gem-quality stone.
Q.Is there a fake Paudlettite?
there is. Be especially careful with stones that claim to be ``large, cheap, and completely undamaged.'' Genuine cut stones are extremely rare, even if they weigh more than 1 carat, so cheap items weighing several dozen carats are likely to be imitations, artificial materials, or mislabeling of other minerals or glass.
Q.How can I tell if it's real?
It can be determined based on properties such as refractive index (approximately 1.511 to 1.532), specific gravity (approximately 2.51 to 2.53), and hardness (approximately 5), but it is difficult to determine by appearance alone. The best way to be sure is to check the identification certificate from a reliable identification organization.
Q.Is paudrettite heat treated?
At present, treatments such as heating and impregnation, which are common to paudrettite, have not been widely reported. However, since the amount in circulation is extremely small, this does not mean that there is no treatment, and each individual stone must be inspected by a specialized organization.
Q.Can I buy Pawdletite in Japan?
Due to the extremely low distribution volume, this stone is not always available in stores even in Japan. It is said that you can only find it at specialty stores that handle rare stones or loose stones when they become available. SELBY also purchases rare stones, and we may be able to inform you when they arrive.
Q.Is there any paudlettite over 1 carat?
Very rare. One of the largest cut stones in the world is the approximately 9.41 carat stone owned by the Smithsonian Institution, and some of these large pieces are kept in famous and museum-quality collections. It is said that many of the stones found in the market are small.
Q.Does paudlettite have any asset value?
Although it is highly rare and in demand by collectors, the number of transactions is small and the market price is difficult to determine, so its convertibility is harder to read than general jewelry. It is more true to think of it as a stone that is enjoyed for its rarity and collectability, rather than its value as an asset. It is important to have proof such as a certificate of identification when holding the item.
Q.What do I need when selling?
If you have the certificate of identification and warranty, the evaluation will be smoother. Since it is a rare stone whose market price is difficult to determine, we recommend consulting with a specialty store that has experience handling rare stones. SELBY also accepts appraisal consultations.
Q.Is paudretite a birthstone?
Paudrettite is not included in the common Japanese birthstones. It is a gemstone that is treated not as a birthstone but as a rare colored stone or collectible stone.
Summary
Summary
Paudretite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, ranging from colorless to pale pink to purplish pink. The representative and main source of gemstones is Mogok, Myanmar, and it is said that many of the stones found in the market are small. It is said that even gemstone identification experts rarely have the opportunity to see a faceted gemstone in real life, making it truly a ``gemstone only known to those in the know.''
On the other hand, since it is rare and expensive,Be careful about large, cheap, and undocumented stones.is required. To avoid mislabeling, it is important to have correct basic knowledge such as chemical composition and hardness.Emphasize stone type confirmation by a reliable identification organizationThat's important. Whether you are buying or selling, consulting with a specialty store that handles rare stones will help you make a choice you will not regret.
◈ For those looking for rare colored stones
At SELBY, we handle loose colored stones such as paudlettite. We carefully select only stones whose authenticity has been determined. We also accept consultations regarding sales and appraisals.
*The example of 1.01ct/approximately 8,200 USD mentioned in the text is not a document showing the market price.An example of individual market offer (desired sales) priceIt is. This is not the closing price. ※Gems & Gemology(2003, 2022) and the original Canadian paper (1987) can be referenced in the archives of GIA and each academic society (please set the exact URL of the relevant page when submitting the manuscript).
