Gaspeite

Gaspeite is a rare and distinctive gemstone prized for its vibrant apple-green, lime-green, and yellowish-green coloration. Its bright, lively hues, often accented by natural brown or tan matrix, make it especially popular in Native American and Southwestern jewelry.

A nickel carbonate mineral, Gaspeite is admired for its unusual green color, which creates a striking contrast when set in sterling silver or paired with turquoise, coral, and other colorful gemstones.

Distinctive characteristics

• Color: Bright apple green, lime green, and yellowish green.

• Matrix: Natural brown, tan, or dark mineral veining and inclusions.

• Composition: Nickel carbonate mineral.

• Appearance: Opaque with a smooth, glossy finish when polished.

• Hardness: Approximately 4.5–5 on the Mohs scale.

• Jewelry: Popular in sterling silver rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and Southwestern jewelry.

Where is Gaspeite found?

Gaspeite is found in only a few locations worldwide, with the most significant gemstone deposits located in:

• Western Australia: Particularly the Widgiemooltha and Kambalda nickel-mining districts, the best-known sources of jewelry-quality Gaspeite.

• Canada: Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, where the mineral was first identified and from which it received its name.

• United States: Reported in New Mexico.

• South Africa: Found in nickel-rich mineral deposits in the Limpopo region.