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Pezzottaite
Pezzottaite is silicates (beryl group relative), Cs(Be2Li)Al2Si6O18. In the hand, it rates 8 on the Mohs scale, and it runs raspberry pink and purplish pink. Saturated raspberry-pink tabular crystals, denser and more intensely colored than morganite, cesium-loaded and found chiefly in Madagascar. Sakavalana pegmatite, Ambatovita, Madagascar (main source, discovered 2002); minor finds in Afghanistan and Myanmar.
The geology.
Pezzottaite carries the formula Cs(Be2Li)Al2Si6O18. It belongs to the trigonal system. On paper it is silicates (beryl group relative).
It sits at 8 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.07 to 3.13. The streak is white. It breaks with imperfect cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Saturated raspberry-pink tabular crystals, denser and more intensely colored than morganite, cesium-loaded and found chiefly in Madagascar.
Expect to see it as tabular hexagonal crystals, faceted gems or cabochons with cat's eye.
The origins.
Sakavalana pegmatite, Ambatovita, Madagascar (main source, discovered 2002); minor finds in Afghanistan and Myanmar.
On value, the database notes: rare; clean faceted stones command strong per-carat prices.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with heart and emotional honesty.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Saturated raspberry-pink tabular crystals, denser and more intensely colored than morganite, cesium-loaded and found chiefly in Madagascar.
Pink glass, morganite, and tourmaline get sold as pezzottaite; density and saturation are quick checks, certificates matter for gems.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Morganite | Morganite is paler peachy-pink with SG 2.7 to 2.9; pezzottaite is hot raspberry at SG 3.1 |
| Red beryl | Red beryl is true red from Utah rhyolite; pezzottaite is pink-purple from pegmatite |
| Pink tourmaline | Tourmaline shows strong dichroism and rounded-triangle cross-sections |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about pezzottaite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Very hard (8), scratches quartz |
| By eye | Noticeably heavy for a 'beryl' (cesium content) |
| By eye | Raspberry saturation beyond typical morganite |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 8 on the Mohs scale it stands up to everyday wear. It will still chip on a hard knock, so treat edges and points with respect.
It breaks with imperfect cleavage; conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Cs(Be2Li)Al2Si6O18. Crystal system: Trigonal. Specific gravity: 3.07 to 3.13. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Imperfect cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Sakavalana pegmatite, Ambatovita, Madagascar (main source, discovered 2002); minor finds in Afghanistan and Myanmar.
What it gets confused with
Morganite: Morganite is paler peachy-pink with SG 2.7 to 2.9; pezzottaite is hot raspberry at SG 3.1. Red beryl: Red beryl is true red from Utah rhyolite; pezzottaite is pink-purple from pegmatite. Pink tourmaline: Tourmaline shows strong dichroism and rounded-triangle cross-sections.
What it is worth
Rare; clean faceted stones command strong per-carat prices.
Where buyers get caught
Pink glass, morganite, and tourmaline get sold as pezzottaite; density and saturation are quick checks, certificates matter for gems.
One more thing
Approved as a new species in 2003, pezzottaite was the gem world's 'raspberry rush'; the original pocket was largely mined out within two years.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Pezzottaite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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