Gemstone profile and identification guide
Hiddenite
Hiddenite is the green gem variety of spodumene, valued for bright yellow-green tones.
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Overview
Hiddenite is the green gem variety of spodumene, valued for bright yellow-green tones.
Did you know? Hiddenite is named after William Earl Hidden, associated with the North Carolina locality.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Hiddenite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Spodumene Variety: Hiddenite)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Primary colour: Yellow Green
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Greens
Spodumene constants, strong pleochroism, and cleavage are key diagnostics.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name entries include conservative composition/treatment disclosures where needed.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6)
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Common locations: Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, United States (North Carolina)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Transparent yellow-green to green spodumene variety.
Optical effects: Pleochroism
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Spodumene (hiddenite variety)
Mineral group: Pyroxene group
Chemical formula: Lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi2O6)
Mohs hardness: 6.75
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect in two directions
Fracture: Uneven to splintery
Specific gravity: 3.13-3.20
Refractive index: 1.66-1.68
Optical phenomena: Pleochroism
Colour range: Yellow-green to medium green
Common inclusions: Tubes, fractures, growth zoning
Geological environment: Lithium-bearing pegmatites
Principal mining regions: Brazil, Afghanistan, Madagascar, United States (North Carolina)
Important commercial sources: Gem hiddenite occurs in lithium pegmatites, including classic U.S. and international sources
Historical significance: Classic American and pegmatite collector gemstone variety.
Common treatments: Irradiation and heat can be used for color modification.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic alternatives can imitate color.
Common look-alikes: Peridot, green tourmaline, chrysoberyl
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted collector stones and occasional jewelry.
Care recommendations: Has cleavage and can be brittle; avoid impact, heat shock, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Hiddenite.
Formation
Forms in lithium-rich granitic pegmatites.
Origin
Gem hiddenite occurs in lithium pegmatites, including classic U.S. and international sources
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted collector stones and occasional jewelry.
Ideal uses: Collector faceted gems in protected settings.
Care
Has cleavage and can be brittle; avoid impact, heat shock, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Hiddenite FAQ
How can I identify Hiddenite?
Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Hiddenite appear in?
Transparent yellow-green to green spodumene variety.
Where is Hiddenite commonly used?
Collector faceted gems in protected settings.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 06 factual verification pass.