Cacoxenite Gemstone Information

The cacoxenite crystal can undoubtedly stand out in a crowd when it comes to striking stones. In its natural form, its vibrant colouring and unique formations are eye-catchers. The intense hues can definitely turn heads when it comes to cacoxenite jewelry.

However, many people aren’t familiar with the cacoxenite gemstone. If you’re curious about the cacoxenite crystal, including its history, the cacoxenite healing properties, and more, here’s what you need to know.

Cacoxenite Properties 

Technically, the cacoxenite stone isn’t a gem. Instead, it’s an iron aluminum phosphate mineral.

When cacoxenite forms, it can create acicular crystals. These thin, needle-like shapes are usually clumped together, building sprays or tufts off of the surface of another stone. Usually, these crystals are intriguing to see but are incredibly fragile. Additionally, they aren’t suitable for jewelry.

Cacoxenite gemstones can form in other shapes, too. However, this is more common when the cacoxenite is an inclusion in another stone. When that occurs, the cacoxenite works within the structure of the other gem, allowing specimens to grow into traditional crystals or different shapes.

When it comes to opacity, cacoxenite is usually translucent to transparent. Additionally, the lustre is typically silky to vitreous. However, its appearance may be altered depending on the kind of stone it’s in, causing it to appear opaquer or matter in some, but not all, cases.

Cacoxenite Color

While the cacoxenite stone is occasionally associated with other hues – mainly because it can be an inclusion in other gems – its primary colour palette falls in the yellow to brown range. Deep golds, burnt oranges, and similar shades are what you typically find, though an occasional green piece may also surface from time to time.

However, cacoxenite can also be an inclusion in quartz minerals, including amethyst. When a stone contains both cacoxenite and amethyst, it’s commonly called cacoxenite amethyst or amethyst cacoxenite. In this case, the stone tends toward purple, at times strongly so.

Cacoxenite Quartz is also a common combination. With these, the coloration may be slightly clouded or muted, though that depends on the clarity of the quartz.

When it comes to cacoxenite vs. Super Seven, it’s essential to understand that cacoxenite is a component of Super Seven, a composite stone that features seven crystals, all of which end up encased in quartz. But cacoxenite in amethyst alone isn’t considered a Super Seven stone, as that’s only two of the seven gems.

The History of Cacoxenite 

Cacoxenite has an interesting history. It was initially described in 1825 after the stone was found in a mine in the Czech Republic.

The name of the stone is actually derived from the Greek “kakos” and “xenos,” which roughly translate to “bad” and “guest.” The main reason for the name is because the phosphorus in cacoxenite reduces iron quality after smelting ore that contains it.

As the name suggests, stones containing cacoxenite have had industrial-style uses. However, it isn’t ideal for smelting due to its broader composition. As a result, it’s mainly treated as a collector stone today, though it may also appear in jewelry pieces, particularly when it is an amethyst inclusion.

Where Is Cacoxenite Found?

Cacoxenite is found in a few countries. The Czech Republic – where it was described initially – is the main source. However, it’s also present in several other places. Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and the United States are all known sources, though they aren’t technically the only ones.

Brazil is also the home to Super 7, while Auralite 23 is from Canada. Both of those stones contain cacoxenite, as well as other minerals or gems that make up the broader composition of their respective gemstones.

Cacoxenite Jewelry 

If you’re looking for cacoxenite jewelry, you won’t find it in chain jewelry stores. Primarily, this is because the stone has a significant amount of variation when it comes to its appearance, so it isn’t ideal for mass production.

Additionally, jewelry-quality cacoxenite in its pure form isn’t common. Instead, you’re more likely to find cacoxenite as an inclusion in another stone. Along with cacoxenite amethyst, there’s Super 7 and Auralite 23, both of which can contain cacoxenite.

Due to its structure and what works best for the other stones that often contain cacoxenite, you’re more likely to find cabochons or polished stones over faceted ones. Cabochons are the preferred approach for pendants, rings, and earrings, though you may find natural tumbled stones, too.

Cacoxenite beads are also incredibly popular. If you’re looking for a cacoxenite amethyst bracelet, there’s a decent chance it’ll use beads, though tumbled stone is also possible. Plus, you’ll see cacoxenite beads in strand necklaces and pendulums.

Cacoxenite Meaning

While the cacoxenite meaning does vary depending on a person’s belief system, most feel that it’s an augmenting stone. Essentially, cacoxenite is said to elevate the properties of the stone it’s within, allowing it to boost host stones like quartz or amethyst.

However, on its own, cacoxenite is said to raise spiritual awareness and increase one’s sense of connection with the broader universe. Some feel the cacoxenite gemstone helps people find their right path or notice how seemingly random events in their life may be connected.

Additionally, cacoxenite is a stone of improvement and positivity. At times, it’s even connected with ascension.

Amethyst with cacoxenite is said to promote healing and better communication. Additionally, it’s thought to be a soothing stone. Along with being grounding, many feel it offers spiritual protection.

Regardless of the meanings, it’s critical to remember that crystals of any kind – including the cacoxenite stone – are not substitutes for medical care. While wearing, holding, or meditating on gems, including cacoxenite, typically won’t cause harm, there’s no proof that doing so can treat any medical condition. If you’re experiencing a health issue of any nature, including physical, mental, or emotional, seeing a trained healthcare provider is essential. That way, you can receive proper treatment.

Stones Similar to Cacoxenite

If you’re looking for stones similar to cacoxenite, you usually need to focus on gems on the warmer side of the spectrum that are a tad earthy. For yellow cacoxenite, citrine, or yellow beryl may be reasonable fits. On the orange part of the spectrum, mandarin garnet or spessartite may be the strongest matches.

Other garnets may work for the reddish versions of cacoxenite, though you’d want to focus on stones that lean toward brown instead of violet. As you get closer to brown, smoky quartz or brown topaz may do the trick.

Andalusite is another stone that may resemble cacoxenite on occasion. However, andalusite exhibits pleochroism, allowing it to show two different hues depending on how the light hits the gemstone. Fortunately, the primary colour is typically brown, and the secondary hue usually falls within other shades of cacoxenite, including yellow, orange, or green.

For green cacoxenite, green amethyst may be a solid substitute. The same can go for prehnite, as well as some pieces of tourmaline.