Stichtite: Meanings, Properties, and Uses

Generally, most people won’t recognize the name “stichtite,” even if they’re a fan of gemstones. However, that’s a shame, as stichtite is incredibly beautiful and unique within the world of gems. As a result, it’s an excellent addition for anyone looking for eye-catching jewelry or who wants to expand their gemstone collection.

For those who appreciate non-traditional gemstones, learning more about stichtite is wise. Here’s a look at the stichtite gemstone properties, its meaning, and more.

Stichtite Gemstone Properties

From a scientific perspective, stichtite isn’t classified as a gem. Instead, it’s a mineral, specifically a magnesium chromium carbonate. However, it’s commonly referred to as a semi-precious gemstone, so referring to it as a gem isn’t typically going to cause any issues or confusion.

Stichtite is an incredibly soft gemstone, usually ranging from 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is only slightly harder than talc. It’s also surprisingly flexible but won’t correct its shape if bent, instead staying in the new position. As a result, it’s usually not considered a facetable stone. Instead, most are used to create cabochons, beads, or similar polished gems.

When it comes to coloring, stichtite usually ranges between a rosy pink and a relatively deep purple. The shades may vary from somewhat muted to vibrant, as well. The color of the streak tends to be either white or pale lilac.

Stichtite can also have variations when it comes to luster. Stichtite crystals are often pearly or waxy, though some may seem greasy. The majority of specimens are opaque, but some stichtite gems are translucent, though that’s incredibly rare. As a result, translucent versions are usually more valuable.

In its natural state, stichtite is more commonly found in masses, not well-defined crystals. Overall, that’s uncommon when compared to other carbonate minerals where forming as crystals is the norm.

What Is Stichtite?

In a scientific sense, stichtite is a magnesium chromium carbonate. Essentially, stichtite is a carbonate of chromium and magnesium, and it’s formed as an alternation chromite or serpentine, depending on the perspective. When a sample is a serpentine-containing chromite or chromite-containing serpentine, it typically becomes stichtite due to the shifts in the stone’s composition.

Overall, stichtite is a semi-precious gemstone. At times, it’s referred to as chrom-brugnatellite, though that name is generally considered incorrect now. That name was chosen in 1912, but further analysis conducted later deemed it inaccurate based on the stone’s composition and characteristics.

Is Stichtite Rare?

Generally speaking, stichtite is a rare gemstone, though not to the point where availability is typically an issue for those who want to use it for jewelry-making or similar purposes. While it’s found in many places all around the world, its primary mined source is in a single area: Tasmania. As a result, the quantities are somewhat limited, though the source is large enough to support the market generally.

When it comes to stichtite jewelry, that’s also relatively rare on the market. However, that’s not due to low stone availability or a cumbersome price. Instead, stichtite isn’t as in demand, so there’s less incentive to produce stichtite jewelry. Additionally, variations in the appearance of stichtite make it ill-suited to mass production.

Stichtite History & Mythology

Overall, there isn’t a significant amount of mythology about stichtite, mainly because it’s a relatively modern discovery. It was first recognized in 1910 when samples were unearthed on the west coast of Tasmania. A chemist that previously worked for a mining company in the region analyzed the stone and named it after the mine’s current manager, Robert Carl Sticht.

The only commercial mining operation focusing on stichtite is in that region, specifically, a spot referred to as Stichtite Hill.

Stichtite Healing Properties

The associated healing properties of stichtite can vary depending on a person’s belief system. Some think stichtite can aid digestion and may reduce food cravings or a desire to binge eat. Others feel it can assist the nervous or circulatory systems and release muscle tension.

In some cases, stichtite is thought to assist with various mental health concerns, particularly healing emotional distress or past trauma. Much of this is because some people believe that stichtite can help with forgiveness, compassion spiritual healing, and letting go of fear.

Some people do believe that stichtite can assist with conditions like ADHD, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, too. However, there’s no scientific proof that any gem can treat or prevent any health condition. As a result, stichtite isn’t a replacement for genuine medical care, and it’s always best to see a trained medical professional if you’re facing any kind of health concern.

Stichtite Meaning & Metaphysical Properties

As with the stichtite healing properties, the stichtite meaning and metaphysical properties associated with the gem usually vary depending on a person’s belief system. Generally speaking, stichtite is considered a grounding and loving stone. It can provide a sense of security when facing difficult challenges, promote a sense of inner peace, and alleviate worry. Some also feel it makes moving through periods of change or stress easier.

Stichtite is also considered a gemstone of intuition. Many believe it can make a person more receptive to their inner voice, making it easier to navigate challenging periods. In turn, it can also promote higher self--love and self-acceptance, allowing a person to tune into themselves with greater ease.

Many also feel that stichtite promotes compassion, forgiveness, and love. As a result, it’s often associated with building positive relationships, romantic, familial, and otherwise. At times, stichtite is also associated with confidence, benefiting those who are typically shy or may have social anxiety that makes forging connections with others difficult.

When it comes to the stichtite chakra, its coloring connects it to the crown chakra. In turn, some associate it with spiritual awareness emotional wisdom and communication with the divine or various protective spirits.

Where Is Stichtite Found?

The primary source of stichtite is Australia. However, the gemstone is found in other countries. For example, deposits have been discovered in Brazil, Canada, India, Morocco, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, and Zimbabwe.

What Is Atlantisite Stone?

Atlantisite is a gemstone with a green serpentine base with stichtite formed along it. Essentially, it’s a gem that has portions of each stone, and the color combination makes it incredibly striking.

Serpentine typically comes in shades of green, such as mint, lime, forest, or grass green. Stichtite is usually found in shades of purple, lilac, or rose pink, causing the two gemstones to have a remarkable amount of contrast when found together in atlantisite.

Chromite and magnetite are also often found in atlantisite. That means the stones can have deep brown, dark gray, or black sections, depending on what’s present.

Generally, atlantisite only comes from one location: Tasmania, an island state of Australia. Atlantisite is also a trade name, not a formal scientific one. The stone was named after the mythical island city of Atlantis, which is derived from an ancient Greek word that means “island of Atlas.”

Stichtite and Atlantisite Jewelry

Stichtite and atlantisite jewelry are both generally available, though you won’t usually find either in chain jewelry stores. Variations in the appearance of the gemstones make them ill-suited to mass production. Additionally, while the availability of stichtite or atlantisite isn’t typically an issue, finding a source reliable enough for mass production is potentially challenging.

Fortunately, many independent jewelers enjoy using stichtite and atlantisite. Both are visually striking stones. Plus, smaller jewelry design operations can take advantage of particularly beautiful stichtite and atlantisite gems, producing either small runs of a design or unique one-off pieces.

In most cases, atlantisite and stichtite jewelry feature cabochons, which work well for softer stones. Atlantisite and stichtite beads are also available.

It’s usually best to choose stichtite or atlantisite jewelry with less risk of incidental contact, such as necklaces, pendants, or earrings. Since both stones are often softer (or, at least, have soft segments), damaging them through accidental contact is possible. As a result, it’s best to exercise caution when wearing atlantisite or stichtite rings or bracelets.

Stichtite vs. Similar Gems

As with many gemstones, other gems can resemble stichtite. Usually, most of the likeness is due to other stones having similar coloring. Overall, purple gemstones are relatively rare, and gems with strong purple colors are often confused with one another when viewed by everyday people.

However, there are distinct differences between most of the purple gems, including those with the strongest resemblance to stichtite. Here’s a closer look at two stones that are often mistaken for stichtite.

Is Purpurite the Same as Stichtite?

Purpurite and stichtite are different gemstones. Purpurite is a manganese phosphate mineral. While purpurite can come in similar shades of deep purple color, it may also be deep red or a brownish black. Stichtite purples also tend to be lighter than what you find in purpurite on average.

When it comes to hardness, purpurite usually scores between a 4 and 4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. While that means it’s still a somewhat soft stone, it’s far harder than stichtite. However, it also has a generally dull luster and is usually opaque.

Stichtite vs Shugalite

Shugalite (also known as sugilite) and stichtite can exhibit similar coloring, but they are also two different stones. As with purpurite, shugalite comes in more hues. Along with purple gems, shugalite can be a hot pink, earthy yellow, reddish-violet, or even colorless.

When it comes to hardness, shugalite is usually closer to a 6 on the Mohs scale. Additionally, its luster is usually more silky or glassy, making it shinier than stichtite. Shugalite is also more commonly semi-transparent or translucent, whereas stichtite is rarely translucent.