Dumortierite Stone | Meaning and Properties
About the Mineral Dumortierite
Dumortierite was first identified in 1881 by a French mineralogist who named the stone in honour of palaeontologist Eugene Dumortier (1803-1873). Although best known as a light or dark blue coloured stone it can also be violet, pink or brown. Blue stones are often mistaken for the mineral sodalite but dumortierite has also been used to imitate lapis lazuli because it's a mineral that's considerably cheaper and more readily available.
Dumortierite is found in metamorphic rocks rich in aluminium. The finest grade material can be exceptionally beautiful and will often feature a mass of long slender crystals within the mineral quartz. Crystals have a vitreous lustre, are generally quite small and may exhibit pleocroism with colours varying from red to blue to violet. Commercial grade stones are popular for lapidary purposes and are actually quartz that's heavily included with dumortierite.
Inclusions of dumortierite in Quartz. Photo Courtesy of Stan Celestian - Flickr
In crystal healing dumortierite is said to be beneficial for patience and for slowing down aggravated and irritated energies. It stimulates communication between the body's various systems and can help with the expression of spiritual ideas and the comprehension of hidden meanings. It's believed to help resolve opposing points of view and when placed on the throat chakra can encourage one to share advice.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Washington D.C. Photo Stone Mania ©
Dumortierite can be found in several countries around the world and being a relatively hard stone makes it particularly suitable for lapidary purposes. On Mohs scale of mineral hardness dumortierite grades 8.
The exhibit at the top of our page was taken in London's Natural History Museum. Photo Stone Mania ©
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