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Piemontite
Piemontite is sorosilicate (epidote group, manganese), Ca₂(Al,Mn³⁺,Fe³⁺)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). In the hand, it rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs cherry red-violet and wine red. Epidote's wine-red cousin, cherry-to-violet striated needles and veins through pale quartzite, with a telling reddish streak.
The geology.
Piemontite carries the formula Ca₂(Al,Mn³⁺,Fe³⁺)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). It belongs to the monoclinic system. Catalogues list it as sorosilicate (epidote group, manganese).
It sits at 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is translucent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 3.4 to 3.5. The streak is reddish. It breaks with perfect cleavage one direction.
Epidote's wine-red cousin, cherry-to-violet striated needles and veins through pale quartzite, with a telling reddish streak.
It reaches buyers as needle sprays in quartzite, striated prisms or red veins in schist.
The origins.
Manganese-rich metamorphics: Piedmont (Italy, namesake), Japan, Arizona (USA), New Zealand.
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; rich red sprays are mid-range.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, piemontite has little established lore; dragon-blood-style vitality themes get borrowed for it.
We keep this section because people ask. It sits below the geology on purpose, and none of it describes something the stone does.
Spotting the real thing.
Epidote's wine-red cousin, cherry-to-violet striated needles and veins through pale quartzite, with a telling reddish streak.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Thulite | Thulite is pink massive zoisite, more pastel; piemontite runs darker wine-red in distinct needles |
| Rhodonite | Rhodonite is pink with black veins and triclinic blockiness |
| Red tourmaline | Rubellite has triangular cross-sections and no cleavage |
At-home tests.
Before anyone talks you into a lab report, these are the checks worth doing yourself on piemontite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Reddish streak (epidote's is gray-green) |
| By eye | Needle habit in metamorphic matrix |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass with effort |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with perfect cleavage one direction, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Ca₂(Al,Mn³⁺,Fe³⁺)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH). Crystal system: Monoclinic. Specific gravity: 3.4 to 3.5. Streak: Reddish. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect cleavage one direction.
How it reaches the market
Manganese-rich metamorphics: Piedmont (Italy, namesake), Japan, Arizona (USA), New Zealand.
What it gets confused with
Thulite: Thulite is pink massive zoisite, more pastel; piemontite runs darker wine-red in distinct needles. Rhodonite: Rhodonite is pink with black veins and triclinic blockiness. Red tourmaline: Rubellite has triangular cross-sections and no cleavage.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; rich red sprays are mid-range.
One more thing
Piemontite paints whole mountainsides, Japan's red schist belts owe their sunset tones to this mineral.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry piemontite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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