Add a LINE friend and receive a ¥3,000 OFF coupon!
Add a LINE friend and receive a ¥3,000 OFF coupon!
July 9, 2026
What is Hauinite? The value, market price, and how to identify fakes of phantom blue gemstones [Supervised by gemstone buyers]
SELBY Rare Stone Picture Book
What is Hauinite? The value and market price of the phantom blue gemstone How to spot fakes [Supervised by jewelry buyers]
"Miracle Blue" is a gem-quality gemstone that is produced in extremely limited quantities in the world. We will explain its true nature and value in an easy-to-understand manner with illustrations.
■ Meta description (text for settings) Awinite (Awin) is a ``phantom blue gemstone'' that is mainly produced in the Eifel region of Germany. In this article, a jewelry buyer from Komehei Group SELBY will explain in an easy-to-understand manner with diagrams the characteristics of auynite, the reason for its rarity, market prices by carat, how to tell it from fakes and similar stones, and how to care for it.
Supervisor
This article was supervised by
Takazo Saito / SELBY Jewelry Buyer
Jewelry buyer for SELBY, the Komehei Group's only jewelry specialist company. A rare stone specialist who inspects production areas around the world and directly imports loose stones. It is affectionately known as "Lethal Weapon" by local dealers and continues to share information with rare stone collectors around the world on a daily basis. He specializes in determining the authenticity and evaluating the value of rare gemstones such as Paraiba tourmaline, paudlettite, and sapphire. By disseminating gemological information, we are working to protect consumers and improve market transparency.
``There is a blue stone that is darker than sapphire and shines like Paraiba.'' This is the rumor that has been talked about among collectors.Hauyne (Hauyne)It is. For a long time, gem-quality crystals could only be produced in bulk in one region of Germany, and even now that new production regions such as Afghanistan have been discovered in recent years,The amount on the market is so small that it is incomparable to diamonds.. In this article, under the supervision of a jewelry buyer from SELBY who buys rare stones directly, we will explain everything from the basic knowledge of hauinite to market prices and how to spot fakes.All illustratedI will explain.
Table of contents============================================================= SEC1 Basic Information ============================================================
What is Hauinite? Basic information and mineral data
Hauyne isA type of semi-feldspar (feldspasoid) belonging to the sodalite groupIt is a rare mineral known for its vivid neon blue color. In Japan, expressions such as ``auinite,'' ``auinite,'' and ``auwin'' are used, but all of them refer to the same gemstone.
The mineral is named after a French mineralogist known as the father of crystallography.René Just HaüyIt was discovered and described in rocks around Mount Vesuvius in Italy in the early 1800s. Although it is a mineral first discovered in Italy,For a long time, crystals of gem quality were almost exclusively found in Germany.This stone also has an interesting twist in its origin.
Eifel region of Germany (main production area) / New production areas such as Afghanistan have been confirmed in recent years
fluorescence
May exhibit orange to pink fluorescence under ultraviolet light
A member of the Sodalite Group, a famous family of blue minerals.
Ouinite is famous as a blue mineral.Same group as lazurite (blue goldstone), the main component of lapis lazulibelongs to. He was born into a ``blue mineral family,'' so to speak, but among them,It can be said that only auinite can produce gem-quality crystals that are transparent and can be cut into facets.It is.
Diagram ①: Correlation diagram of sodalite group
Although it is related to lapis lazuli, auinite is the only transparent gemstone that shines.
A word from buyer Saito
When I first opened the Ouinite parcel on-site, my impression was of ``little blue sparks.'' Although each grain is smaller than a grain of rice, it has a fluorescent blue color that rivals Paraiba tourmaline. The moment you look through the magnifying glass, you'll see why this stone captivates collectors around the world.
The main production area is the Eifel region of Germany, but in recent years there have been new production areas as well.
The biggest feature of Auinite is thatExtreme deviation in production areaIt is. The main production area of gem quality auinite isWestern Germany/Eifel regionFor a long time, it has been said that Eifel is the only quality gemstone. The Eifel region is a volcanic region surrounding Lake Laacher See, where tiny blue crystals of auinite lie hidden in pumice layers created by ancient eruptions. ExactlyBlue born from a volcanoIt is.
In addition, in recent years,Gem-quality auinite has also been confirmed from new sources such as Afghanistan.Now. However, the supply from new production areas is very small, and the overall scarcity of the market is not affected. Being able to compare the colors and characteristics of each production area is one of the pleasures of today's Hauinite market.
Diagram ②: Map of the production area of auinite
The main source of gem quality auinite is the Eifel region of Germany. In recent years, new production areas such as Afghanistan have also appeared.
============================================================= SEC3 Rarity ============================================================
Three reasons why Hauinite is called a “mythical gem”
There is a clear reason why Hauinite is called a ``phantom gemstone'' and ``a collector's ultimate destination.'' There are three points:
Diagram 3: Three factors that create scarcity
Production area, crystal size, mining system. The combination of these three constraints creates extreme scarcity.
Reason 1: There are only a handful of gem-quality production areas in the world.
As mentioned in the previous chapter, the supply of gem-quality auinite is largely dependent on the Eifel region. Although new production areas such as Afghanistan have been confirmed in recent years, the supply is extremely limited.We are far from a situation where the market is flooded with stones due to the appearance of new production areas.That is the reality. The low ceiling structure of supply remains unchanged.
Reason 2: The crystals are too small and there are almost no large grains.
Auinite rough stone is large if it is only a few millimeters, and after cutting it is0.1-0.2 carats are the mainstream. When the weight exceeds 0.3 carat, the number of beautiful stones suddenly decreases.Clean stones over 1 carat are museum and top collector grade.It is said.
Reason 3: There is no large-scale commercial mining
There is no organized gem mining in the Eifel region by large companies, and supply is supported by limited extraction activities.It's not a gem that will come out if you dig it.Therefore, whether or not a good stone comes to market depends largely on luck and connections.
points
The rarity of Hauinite is not a temporary boom;“Perpetual scarcity” derived from geological structure. That's why it continues to attract attention from enthusiasts around the world both as an asset and as a collectible.
Four criteria to determine value (color, transparency, size, cut)
The value of auinite can be evaluated using a concept similar to the 4Cs of diamonds. HoweverUnique weighting of evaluationIn particular, the influence of ``color'' and ``size'' is extremely large.
Diagram ④: 4 criteria for evaluating the value of Hauinite
The main character of the evaluation was ``neon blue with a fluorescent feel''. If it's the same color, the price will go up just because the size is different.
Highest rating: “Neon blue with fluorescent effect”
The blue color of auinite is said to be derived from the sulfur ions it contains.Fluorescence that feels like it's glowing from withinis its characteristic. The most highly valued on the market is reminiscent of Paraiba tourmaline.Vibrant and bright neon blue ~ cobalt blue. Stones that are too dark or too dark in color, or stones that are light in color, will be evaluated one step lower.
Even if the particles are small, if they are “clean and have a good color,” they are first-class.
Since it is assumed that the 0.1 ct level is the mainstream for Ouinite,"Just because it's small doesn't mean it's of low value.". In fact, if the color and clarity are excellent even in the 0.1 ct range, it is a first-class item and can become the centerpiece of your collection. Buyers from all over the world compete for stones that have the triple signature of size, color, and clarity.
Hauinite price market [Quick reference table by carat]
Since the amount of Hauinite in circulation is small and there is no official price list, the price fluctuates greatly depending on the store and individual differences. Based on the experience of SELBY, which purchases directly from imports,Approximate guidelineTo summarize, we get:
size band
quality image
Estimated price (per stone)
~ Around 0.1ct
Introductory class for good color and small grains
Tens of thousands of yen to hundreds of thousands of yen
0.1~0.3ct
Semi-leading class with good color and transparency
Hundreds of thousands of yen to several hundred thousand yen
0.3~0.5ct
Neon blue high quality class
Hundreds of thousands of yen to around 1 million yen
0.5ct~
Top class of exquisite color and eye cleanliness
Over 1 million yen is not uncommon.
*The above is a guideline that may vary greatly depending on quality, timing, and exchange rates. Please check each individual stone for actual price.
Diagram 5: Relationship between size and price image
Because the production of large grains is extremely low, size and price are not proportional but follow a steep curve.
Prices are on the rise -- the reason why people say "now is the cheapest"
While the supply of oinite is not increasing structurally, demand is increasing year by year due to the global rare stone boom. High-quality stones quickly find buyers locally,Prices have risen to such an extent that market expectations from a few years ago no longer apply.That is the reality. Many buyers and collectors have a common feeling that ``the time to buy is when you find a stone of the quality you like.''
============================================================= CTA (middle) ============================================================
==================================================================== SEC6 Fake/Similar Stone ============================================================
How to distinguish between fake and similar stones
With the rise in popularity, the number ofAnother stone or synthetic stone sold as “auinite”This is a problem. Since it is an expensive stone, it is important to understand the existence of similar stones and the basics of how to distinguish them before purchasing.
Typical similar stones that are easily mistaken
stone name
Difference with Hauinite
Attention level
Cobalt spinel (including synthetic)
The colors are very similar. The refractive index and specific gravity are greatly different, and identification institutions can clearly distinguish them. Beware of cases where synthetic products are distributed under the name "Hauinite"
★★★
synthetic blue glass
Clues include air bubbles and colors that are too uniform. The first thing I suspect about the cheap "Large Ouinite" is this.
★★★
Sapphire (cobalt blue)
It is overwhelmingly hard with a hardness of 9 and has a heavy specific gravity. different quality of shine
★★
Sodalite/lapis lazuli
Same group, but basically opaque to translucent. Transparent and easy to distinguish
★
Benitoite
Characterized by strong dispersion (fire) and birefringence, and different optical properties
★
Diagram 6: 3-step check to avoid fakes
The more expensive and rare stones are, the more effective it is to double-check the ``identification certificate and a reliable source of purchase'' rather than making a self-judgment.
The final judgment is based on the “differentiation report”
Ouinite and similar stones can be clearly distinguished by optical measurements such as specific gravity, refractive index, and spectral properties. In other wordsIf you have a certificate issued by a reliable domestic identification organization, the identity of the stone is almost certain.I will. Especially when purchasing online, the golden rule is to choose products that come with a certificate of authenticity or that can be obtained, and to check the name of the institution that issued the certificate of authenticity.
⚠ Beware of sales pitches like this
``Hauinite weighing over 1 carat costs tens of thousands of yen'' ``Large, beautiful item with unknown origin and no certificate of authenticity'' - considering the circumstances surrounding the production of genuine auinite, these conditions are unlikely to hold true. If you see a listing that is far off the market price, be suspicious of the possibility of synthetic spinel or glass.
The Mohs hardness of auinite is5.5〜6. It is about the same level as opal, and is suitable for everyday jewelry."You can enjoy it if you handle it carefully, but it's a stone that requires care."It is classified as Furthermore, it has cleavage (the tendency to break in a certain direction) and is not strong against impact.
Diagram ⑦: Ouinite as seen on the Mohs hardness scale
A hardness of 5.5 to 6 is a zone where the password is ``usable, but don't bump or rub.''
Precautions for handling
The first thing you want to avoid isshock and frictionIt is. If making it into a ring, protect the stone with a metal frame.Protective settings such as fukurin claspsI feel safe. In daily life, be sure to follow basic rules such as removing your jewelry when doing housework or playing sports, and storing it separately from other jewelry. pendants, earrings etc.A smart choice is to make items that are difficult to touch.It is.
The golden rule for cleaning is to be gentle and short.
Diagram ⑧: Caring for Hauinite ○ and ×
No washing machine. Basically, ``dry wiping + occasional use of neutral detergent'' is sufficient to maintain its beauty.
============================================================ SEC8 Buying Guide ============================================================
How to choose and purchase a night watch that you won't regret
Finally, we will summarize the points to check when actually purchasing an overnight bag. Because it is a stone that is expensive and has large individual differences,``Which store'' and ``what should you check'' before buying?influences satisfaction.
Pre-purchase checklist
Diagram ⑨: 5 major checklists before purchasing
If you answered ``YES'' to all 5 items, you can safely consider it.
Which should I buy, loose or jewelry?
Loose (bare stone) for collection/asset purposesis the basics. It is easy to check the quality of the stone itself, and it is also easy to check with identification documents. You also have the freedom to create your own design in the future. On the other hand,For those who want to enjoy wearing it, choose jewelry with a highly protective setting.If you choose , you can enjoy it on a daily basis while covering up the low hardness.
A word from buyer Saito
Hauinite is a "stone of encounters". Even locally, there is a scramble for stones with good colors as soon as the bag is opened, and only a small percentage of the stones make it to Japan. That's why I'm not just a photogenic stone.Stones that can impress you in real lifeWe only select and purchase. When in doubt, first compare the color of the actual stone.
We have summarized the frequently asked questions from our customers about HOWNIGHT in a Q&A format.
Q1Are auinite, awin, and howinite the same stone?
A
Yes, they are all different spellings that refer to the same mineral, Hauyne (Haüyne). It is often written as "Auin" in domestic identification books, and "Auinite" is widely used as the selling name.
Q2Where can I buy Hauinite?
A
Because the production volume is extremely low, most general jewelry stores do not carry it. It is practical to purchase at a store that specializes in rare stones or a specialty store that has a direct import route from the production area. Be sure to check whether there is a certificate of identification.
Q3What is the price range?
A
Although it varies greatly depending on the quality, as a rough guide, a 0.1ct stone costs tens of thousands of yen, a good-colored 0.1 to 0.3ct stone costs tens of thousands of yen to several hundred thousand yen, a high-quality stone of 0.3 to 0.5ct costs a few hundred thousand yen to around 1 million yen, and a fine stone over 0.5 ct can cost more than 1 million yen.
Q4Why is it so rare?
A
There are only a few gem-quality production areas, mainly in the Eifel region of Germany (new production areas such as Afghanistan have been confirmed in recent years, but supply is limited), the crystals themselves are very small, and large-scale commercial mining is not carried out. This is because these three conditions overlap.
Q5Which is rarer, Paraiba Tourmaline?
A
Although it is difficult to make a simple comparison, it is said that the absolute amount distributed in the market is much smaller than Ouinite. I see over a thousand Ruths every year, but the neon blue, eye-clean Hauinite is only a few stones long. In particular, I believe that clean stones over 0.3 ct are even more difficult to find than high-quality Paraiba stones.
Q6Is there a fake version of Hauinite?
A
There have been reports of synthetic cobalt spinel and blue glass being sold as "Ouinite." Be especially careful about large stones that are unnaturally cheaper than the market price, and choose stones that come with a certificate of identification from a reliable identification organization.
Q7How will it be written on the certificate of identification?
A
Domestic identification organizations generally list the mineral name as ``Natural Hauyne.'' The notation may differ slightly depending on the institution, so if you have any questions, please check with the store where you purchased it or the identification institution.
Q8Is it okay to wear a ring for everyday use?
A
It has a low hardness of 5.5 to 6 and is weak against impact, so it is not suitable for rings that are worn every day. If you choose to wear a ring, we recommend choosing a highly protective design such as a ring clasp, and removing it when doing housework or exercising. Pendants and earrings are relatively safe.
Q9Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning?
A
Not recommended. Because it has cleavage properties and is susceptible to impact, ultrasonic cleaning and steam cleaning have the risk of damage. Wipe it dry with a soft cloth, and if you are concerned about dirt, just wash it gently with lukewarm water and a neutral detergent.
Q10Is there any treatment for overnight?
A
While many stones are distributed untreated,Impregnation of transparent material (colorless material)There are also stones decorated with This impregnation is treated as an enhancement (improvement) for identification purposes, and the identification document will include a statement such as ``transparent material impregnated.'' Be sure to check the identification report to see if each stone has been treated.
Q11What about asset value and investment targets?
A
The price of fine stone tends to rise in the long term because the supply is not structurally increasing. However, jewelry has lower liquidity than stocks, and the sale price is different from the purchase price. We recommend that you don't just aim for the price to rise, but rather to ``treasure it and expect value as well.''
Q12They are all small stones, but will they look good as jewelry?
A
Ouinite's blue color is attractive because of its strong coloring, which makes it stand out even in small particles. Many pieces of jewelry are made with designs that add diamonds to side stones or set multiple stones, making smallness unique.
Q13Is there a stone word or meaning for Auinite?
A
Although there are not many widely established stone words, it is sometimes introduced with meanings related to its clear blue color, such as "insight," "lucidity," and "nobility." Because it is a gemstone with a short history, the stone language varies depending on the literature and store.
Q14What is the difference between sapphire and tanzanite?
A
Although both are blue gemstones, they are completely different minerals. Compared to sapphire (hardness 9) and tanzanite (hardness 6-7), ouinite has a unique neon blue color with a fluorescent effect and is extremely rare. Due to its low hardness, care must be taken when handling it.
Q15Do you have any tips for meeting good individuals?
A
The biggest trick is to stay connected with rare stone specialty stores so that you can frequently check on arrival information. The higher the quality of the stone, the faster the Hauinite will sell, so if you create a system in which you will be contacted when a stone that meets your conditions comes out, you will increase your chances of encountering one.
Summary: Hauinite goes from “only those in the know” to “in time”
Hauinite isSodalite Group's only "transparent gem"The most attractive feature is the fluorescent neon blue color.
The main production area for gemstones isGermany Eifel region(New production areas such as Afghanistan have been confirmed in recent years). Crystals are small and supply is structurally difficult to increase
The price isEven 0.1ct units start at tens of thousands of yen, high-quality pieces over 0.5 carat can go for over 1 million yen, and the market price is on the rise.
Countermeasures against similar stones and counterfeitsCheck 3 points: “Price, Certificate of Authenticity, and Where to Buy”is the basic
Because of the hardness 5.5-6,No ultrasonic cleaning or shock allowed. Enjoy it for a long time with a protective setting and careful storage.
As long as the supply does not increase, encounters with Hauinite are always encounters with the "inventory of this moment." We would be happy if you could find the stone for you with reliable identification and connoisseurship.
Supervised by: Kozo Saito (SELBY Jewelry Buyer) / Komehei Group's only jewelry specialist company SELBY
The price information in this article is a guideline at the time of writing and is subject to change depending on market conditions.
