Gem Profile- Nuummite

by Judy Ellis
I have finally found one of the rarest gemstone on the planet; Nuummite (noo-myte). Nuummite, discovered in 1982 near Nuuk, the Municipality which it was named after, is a mixture of anthophylite and gedrite 3 billion years in the making. That distinguishes this gemstone as being one of the oldest. This is another metamorphic gem which is created by heat, pressure and time.
About Nuummite and Greenland:

Nuummite is found only in the Nuuk region of Greenland although several other similar stones have been found in the United States. Only the stone from Greenland has the developed coloration and iridescence to be called Nuummite.


Nuuk, Greenland (Nuuk city below Sermitsiaq. Photo courtesy of Greenland Tourism)

Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Greenland
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Nuuk City Greenland
This stone has a hardness of 5.5-6 on the MOHS scale and is relatively easy to cut and polish, but can be difficult to avoid pits and cracks due to the crystal structure.

Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Nuummite cabs
What color is Nuummite?

Nuummite has a base color of charcoal gray or black with iridescent blue, red, green and gold that looks similar to the flames in a fire. This effect is due to the lamella-like structure of the crystals that form the stone.
Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Nuummite
The elongated crystals grow in thin sheets and sheaf-like groups that cause a type of iridescence within the stone which is brought out by cutting and polishing the stone, usually as a cabochon.


Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Nuummite
Unique properties:

Metaphysically, Nuummite is considered to be a stone of the Earth and by drawing on the power of the Earth's core can help bring out inner power and strength leading to self-mastery.

Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Nuummite
If you are in the market for a 3 billion year old piece of Greenland, be aware that only the Nuummite from Greenland is of gem quality and some unethical sellers will try to pass off lesser quality stone as Nuummite at highly inflated prices. Like Turquoise, pearls and other types of gems; caveat emptor and know your dealer.


Judy Ellis's Gem Profile- Nuummite - , General Education, , Nuummite
Resources

Gem data: www.gemdat.org
Nuummite data: Wikipedia
Nuummite healing crystals: www.crystalvaults.com

Materials

Wire
Shop Now
Beads
Shop Now
Cabochons
Shop Now
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
Add to Bag
Bench Tools
Shop Now
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education