Hiddenite is the green gem variety of the mineral Spodumene. Spodumene is a common mineral, but transparent gem forms occur in only a few select localities. One gem form is the pink kunzite, and another is the green hiddenite. Hiddenite is named after W.E. Hidden, who discovered this new gemstone in Alexander County, North Carolina in 1879. The town where this gem was found was subsequently given the name "Hiddenite". Green hiddenite, to date, is only found in the one locality where it was originally discovered. Although additional localities containing transparent, green spodumene were found, none match the exceptional, unique green of the hiddenite from Alexander County, North Carolina. The green spodumenes from other localities are not gemologically accepted as true hiddenite, for they all lack the unique green color of true hiddenite, being only very light green or greenish-yellow. Recently, gem dealers have been using the name hiddenite for all green transparent green spodumenes, even those not found in Alexander County, North Carolina.

The perfect cleavage and splintery fracture of hiddenite makes it one of the most difficult gems to cut. It is very sensitive to knocks and will chip if hit too hard. Hiddenite exhibits strong pleochroism, showing lighter and more intense coloring when viewed at different angles. For this reason, it is always cut to show the deepest coloring through the top of the gem. The deeper green the hiddenite, the more valuable it is.

USES
Hiddenite is very rare, and good gems are remarkably valuable. Small gems are seldom cut from hiddenite because of its cleavage and pleochroism. It is most often used as a large ring stone or as a pendant.

SYNONYMS
Lithia Emerald

SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Hiddenite appears similar to emerald (it usually lighter in color than emerald), chrysoberyl, peridot, tourmaline, green garnet, and euclase.

ALSO SEE

• The mineral Spodumene
• The gemstone Spodumene
• The gemstone Kunzite

PICTURES

Special thanks to Gem Hut for most of our gem images. The gems displayed or others like them can be purchased through Gem Hut by clicking the link below each picture.

Picture: Green Hiddenite
Size: 7.78 ct.
Cut: Octagon
Gem: Gem Hut