Xonotlite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Xonotlite (pronounced zoh-NAWT-lyte) is a lesser-known collector’s stone usually found as white or pale-colored crystals. The mineral is known for its various industrial uses and intriguing crystal forms, which make gorgeous collectible pieces.

Is xonotlite rare? Xonotlite gemstone material is definitely rare, only found in a few places. The mineral itself is more common.

Today, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to the traits, history, prices, and uses of xonotlite using our expertise from years of industry experience.

Let’s crack in!

Pictured above: Xonotlite specimen from Newfoundland, Canada | Image credit: Dave Dyet, Public domain

About Xonotlite Stone

Xonotlite is a rare, pale-colored semi-precious gemstone first found in Mexico. Other monikers for the stone are:

• Calcium-Pectolite

• Eakleite

• Xenotlite / Xonaltite / Xonolite

• Jurupaite

Most of these were misinterpreted identities for xonotlite which have been discredited by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA).

Outside of gem and mineral purposes, what is xonotlite used for?

Xonotlite Uses

Xonotlite has various technical applications. Scientists use both natural and synthetic xonotlite industrially. Typically, xonotlite synthesis is done through hydrothermal processes, often resulting in a xonotlite powder.

Some of the valuable traits of xonotlite include its commonly fibrous nature, absorption capabilities, and, in particular, its stability at high temperatures.

Applications for xonotlite include:

• Steam-cured cements (often in fiber-reinforced, low-density thermal insulation like oil wells & nuclear storage)

• Heat-insulating filler in exterior wall coatings

• Fire protection materials (safer asbestos alternative)

• Cement-like materials for immobilizing radioactive waste (xonotlite can absorb caesium)

• Car brake linings (used for friction extension & better molding)

• Paper & dye pigment extension

• Thixotropic agent (makes viscous when still & thinner when shaken) in mortars, paints, & glues

• Composite agent for reinforcing & dispersing (keeps particles in a liquid separated and suspended)

• Thermoplastics flame retardant & drip suppressant (both help prevent burning/spread of fire)

• Potential bone regeneration biomaterials (as nanofiber in 3D-printed silk fibroin-gelatin basal scaffold called SGC)

The most common use of xonotlite is in cements — particularly high-performance high-temperature-resistant cements.

Xonotlite can improve the cement’s flexural strength, high-temperature stability, and structural compactness. It can also prevent “grain coarsening” and delay micro-cracks.

Pictured above: Rough xonotlite specimen from New Jersey, USA | Image credit: Beth Schaefer, Public domain

Xonotlite Specifications & Characteristics

As a calcium silicate hydroxide mineral, xonotlite’s formula is Ca6Si6O17(OH)2. Common impurities are iron, manganese, sodium, and water.

The structure of xonotlite is similar to the calcium silicate wollastonite.

In terms of habits, xonotlite crystals are typically acicular (needle-like), often forming spherical aggregates. These crystals are also usually elongated with tapered terminations and striated prism zones.

More often, xonotlite occurs as fibrous bundles, radiating rosettes, or masses.

Xonotlite properties listed:

• Mohs hardness: 6-6.5

• Color: White, colorless, gray, bluish-gray, pale pink, lemon-white; Often fades on exposure

• Crystal structure: Monoclinic

• Luster: Vitreous, greasy, silky, or pearly

• Transparency: Translucent to transparent

• Refractive index: 1.581-1.595

• Density: 2.70-2.72

• Cleavage: Perfect in one {h01} direction

• Fracture: Splintery

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: Sometimes fluorescence & phosphorescence - weak grayish-white, white, or violet in SW-UV & LW-UV

• Pleochroism: None

• Birefringence: 0.010

• Dispersion: Weak

Pictured above: Cabinet specimen with translucent to transparent, pale pink to colorless apophyllite crystal blades set on transparent gray apophyllites with xonotlite | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Xonotlite History

German mineralogist Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg first named xonotlite in 1866. He found the stone in Tetela de Xonotla, Pueblo, Mexico — hence the name.

In 1917, American geologist Esper Signius Larsen, Jr. published his description of “eakleite” as a new mineral from California, USA.

But in 1923, Larsen published a correction. He wrote that American mineralogist Waldemar Theodore Schaller informed him that his “eakleite” was actually identical to xonotlite.

Similarly, American mineralogist Arthur Starr Eakle reported on a “new mineral” in 1921 from Jurupa Valley in California, USA, that he called “jurupaite.”

But Scottish chemist H.F.W. Taylor discredited the discovery in 1953, showing that jurupaite was actually a unique xonotlite with magnesium partly replacing calcium.

Xonotlite Healing Properties

As a commonly white healing stone, xonotlite offers the harmonizing and purifying properties of other white gemstones. Xonotlite is used as a heart or crown chakra stone.

Physical Healing

Physically, xonotlite is said to treat issues related to:

• Circulation

• Blood pressure

• Heart health

• Lung / respiratory ailments

• Immune system function

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, xonotlite crystals represent unconditional love. Crystal healers recommend them for attracting all kinds of love, along with promoting:

• Serenity

• Emotional balance

• Self-awareness

• Inner harmony

Some even believe xonotlite can help you harness telepathic abilities.

Pictured above: Large specimen containing large aggregates of velvety xonotlite balls made up of radiating acicular crystals | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Xonotlite Gemstone Properties

Besides rarity, xonotlite’s value is also based on its color, cut, transparency, and carat weight.

Color

Most cut xonotlite gemstones are colorless or milky white. Any shades of pink or yellow may carry more value, but they haven’t been seen yet.

Generally, gray hues are least valuable.

Cut

Although rare, gem cutters have faceted translucent xonotlite crystals. These are quite valuable but hard to find.

Most often, xonotlite is sold rough (uncut).

Transparency

So far, only translucent xonotlite has been faceted, but clearer specimens (cut or rough) will carry higher value.

Carat Weight & Size

Faceted xonotlite gems have been cut weighing multiple carats — often over 2 cts but always under 4 cts.

Rough xonotlite specimens can be quite large, though fibrous specimens are larger than crystals.

Pictured above: White, acicular xonotlite clusters perched on ruddy brown inesite or tobermorite | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Xonotlite Formation & Sources

Natural xonotlite is often formed through calcium metasomatism — thermal conditions cause other minerals inside a rock to alter into xonotlite.

It’s usually found at contact zones between calcium-bearing & igneous rocks, along with serpentinite, contact metamorphic limestones, and metavolcanic rocks.

Xonotlite can also dehydrate at 775-800°C (1427-1472°F) into wollastonite.

Mining Locations

The only known sources of facetable xonotlite are the original type locality in Mexico and Vicenza, Italy.

Attractive specimens are also known from:

• Canada

• Japan

• South Africa

• USA (California, Michigan, Puerto Rico, Virginia)

Pictured above: Old specimen with cream-colored balls and radial, fibrous clusters of xonotlite crystals; Willy Israel Collection | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Xonotlite Price & Value

Unsurprisingly, rare faceted xonotlites are pricey. Expect to pay around $200 to $1,800 per carat (or around $240 to $900 total).

The majority of xonotlites for sale are rough specimens, which range more broadly.

The most expensive specimens, about $900 to $6,000, are large and colorful, often attached to rare minerals like jouravskite.

In the middle, ranging around $80 to $275, are smaller, less colorful specimens that are often fluorescent.

The most affordable xonotlite specimens, around $40 to $70, are usually small and white or gray.

Xonotlite Care and Maintenance

Last up is gemstone care.

Luckily, the tough tenacity and upper-range hardness of xonotlite makes it pretty durable. They’re slightly vulnerable to scratches, but you can use them in jewelry — xonotlite jewelry would just be hard to find.

Just keep xonotlite away from harder gems and acids. Clean the stone with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush.

Pictured above: Geode-like specimen with datolite crystal crust and radial, fibrous xonotlite balls | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Add Some Zest to Your Collection with Xonotlite!

Xonotlite’s appeal goes beyond its unique name. The gem combines rarity with soft, translucent colors and a whole host of industrial properties.

A gorgeous cluster of xonotlite crystals makes a perfect addition to any room or mineral collection.

Buy xonotlite and other unique gemstones today!