Indigo Gabbro (aka Mystic Merlinite) Gemstone Information

Whether you’re a jewelry aficionado or an avid gem collector, adding relatively new stones to your collection is a fun way to acquire eye-catching pieces that stand out from the crowd. That’s what makes the indigo gabbro gemstone so exciting. Along with being amazingly beautiful, it isn’t well known, allowing you to introduce some intrigue into your accessories or collection.

If you aren’t familiar with indigo gabbro, you aren’t alone. For those who’d like to learn more about this outstanding gem, here’s a look at the indigo gabbro properties, colouring, history, and more.

Indigo Gabbro Properties

While many call indigo gabbro, or “mystic merlinite,” a gem, it’s technically an igneous rock. It features a combination of minerals, including feldspar and quartz.

Raw indigo gabbro usually falls in the mid-toned to dark colour range and often has a noticeably grainy texture. In many cases, it’s also somewhat dull, though there can be some subtle shimmer due to the crystal-like nature of the stone.

The coarser grain is a result of how indigo gabbro forms. Generally speaking, it’s a volcanic stone, requiring high heat and molten conditions. As it cools, the surface remains relatively rough. However, some samples are finer grain.

Unlike some other gabbro stones, the mystic merlinite properties mean this gem readily accepts a polish. Additionally, it’s reasonably easy to carve. As a result, it’s mainly used as a gem for jewelry or other ornamental purposes.

Overall, indigo gabbro is typically in the opaque to the translucent range. As a result, some light can often pass through portions of the stone. However, it isn’t usually fully transparent.

Some people worry that mystic merlinite is toxic. Mainly, this is due to the potential presence of minerals like barite and iron in the stone. However, indigo gabbro toxicity isn’t a concern for those simply wearing a piece of jewelry or holding a polished gem.

Iron generally only presents a risk if significant quantities are ingested. Regarding barite, inhaling its dust over a prolonged period can cause lung damage. As a result, it’s best for lapidaries working with indigo gabbro to wear breathing masks to avoid inhalation of any dust.

Indigo Gabbro Color

Indigo gabbro gemstones aren’t typically a single colour. Instead, the gem is usually a mix of white, gray, and black. However, the colours lean cool, with most pieces featuring a subtle lilac tint that makes the stone incredibly unique.

In most cases, the patterning is more of a mottling than a blending. Usually, there are distinct divisions between the various hues, not unlike spots on a leopard. The amount of dark or light colours in a single stone can vary, though the deeper-hued ones make up the majority of most gemstones.

At times, there may be tiny gold flecks in pieces of mystic merlinite. When that occurs, it’s due to the presence of specific inclusions, such as mica. That can give some indigo gabbro gemstones a slightly metallic quality, though it’s usually incredibly subtle.

The History of Indigo Gabbro

Comparatively speaking, indigo gabbro is a recent discovery. It was initially unearthed in Madagascar and, at one point, was called “mystic merlinite,” though that didn’t stick in an official capacity. The “mystic merlinite” name is a nod to the fabled magician Merlin, as well as the stone’s resemblance to merlinite, which is a different stone.

 As a recent discovery, indigo gabbro hasn’t been used for many industrial purposes. Instead, it genuinely began as an ornamental gemstone, a position that will likely remain its primary use for the foreseeable future.

Where Is Indigo Gabbro Found?

As mentioned above, indigo gabbro was initially discovered in Madagascar, and that island nation remains the primary source. It’s a volcanic stone, so very few areas have the right conditions to produce the gem.

Some indigo gabbro has been found in Alaska, though not in the same quantities people see in Madagascar. In that regard, that makes mystic merlinite pretty rare, as there aren’t many reliable sources. However, gabbro stones with similar visual characteristics are found in other parts of the world; they’re simply different enough to not qualify as genuine indigo gabbro.

Indigo Gabbro Jewelry

If you’re looking for mystic merlinite or indigo gabbro jewelry, you won’t find many options in chain jewelry stores. There are two main reasons for the lower availability through retail chains. First, indigo gabbro gems have highly unique appearances, and the variations can make them ill-suited to mass production. Second, it’s a relatively new stone, so there aren’t sufficient supplies or demand for the large runs chain jewellers often need.

However, independent designers frequently use indigo gabbro in their designs. Primarily, this is because they support small runs – or even one-off pieces – with greater ease. As a result, they can take advantage of mystic merlinite’s uniqueness.

In most cases, independent jewellers use either indigo gabbro cabochons or beads in their designs. Those approaches make the most of the striking patterning and the high polish surface you can achieve with mystic merlinite. As a result, you can find pendants, strand necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more that feature the stone.

Indigo Gabbro Meaning

The indigo gabbro merlinite meaning can vary depending on a person’s belief system. For some, the indigo gabbro metaphysical properties focus on knowledge and insight. It’s said to help people learn about their innermost selves.

Others believe the mystic merlinite metaphysical properties concentrate more on traits like strength and courage. Some even associate it with love. In some cases, the indigo gabbro spiritual meaning also includes finding beauty that’s usually shrouded in darkness or solving mysteries.

Finally, the mystic merlinite stone meaning can involve diving into the darkness. Usually, this references journeys of self-discovery, particularly those that include confronting past traumas to heal.

As for the indigo gabbro chakra, some believe it’s most closely connected to the crown chakra. Others feel it’s an excellent stone for balancing all the chakras, allowing it to help a person remain grounded and open simultaneously.

However, regardless of the indigo gabbro meaning, it’s critical to note that there’s no scientific evidence that holding, meditating on, or wearing any stone can provide any health benefits. Gems aren’t a substitute for legitimate medical care, so make sure you see a physician if you’re experiencing any physical, mental, or emotional health challenges.

Stones Similar to Indigo Gabbro

If you’re looking for a reasonable stand-in for indigo gabbro or mystic merlinite, there are a few options.

One stone that is visually similar to indigo gabbro is merlinite – a type of dendritic agate. The two gems have similar colouring, as each stone is largely white, gray, or black with a cooler overall tone. However, the patterning is often quite different, which helps the two stones stand apart. Additionally, indigo gabbro is usually darker overall.

Other types of gabbro – particularly black or “blizzard stone” gabbro – also have similar appearances to indigo gabbro. However, black gabbro doesn’t accept a polish as readily. Additionally, blizzard stone is typically very dark with subtle white speckling, so the look isn’t an exact match.

In some cases, black fossil coral may have similar colour combinations, too. However, the patterning on the surface may not always align with mystic merlinite.