On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Datolite
A mineral species basic name listed in GB/T 16552-2017 Appendix A.2; individual specimens still need to be identified. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Datolite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify DatoliteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Caring for and wearing DatoliteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of DatoliteEach value with its source and check date
- Datolite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of DatoliteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing DatoliteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define DatoliteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Datolite is a monoclinic borosilicate species with ideal composition CaBSiO4(OH), a member of the gadolinite group. It is a secondary mineral in mafic igneous rocks, in geodes in tuffs, in skarns in limestones, in serpentinites and hornblende schists, and in some ore veins, commonly associated with calcite, prehnite and zeolites.
Scope: Applies to the genesis and occurrence of natural datolite as a borosilicate mineral species; does not cover synthetics or artificial imitations.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
Secondary mineral in mafic igneous rocks; geodes in tuffs; skarns in limestones; serpentinites and hornblende schists; some ore veins
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Associated minerals: garnet, axinite, danburite, zeolites, prehnite, calcite
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
Host rocks such as mafic igneous rocks, tuffs or limestones are emplaced.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Later hydrothermal or low-temperature fluids introduce boron, silicon and calcium.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
The fluids precipitate in geodes, skarns or fractures, crystallising datolite.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Datolite forms short prismatic or tabular crystals, or botryoidal to compact cryptocrystalline masses, associated with calcite, prehnite and zeolites.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Datolite is mostly colourless or white, commonly with a greenish tinge, and may be gray, yellow, green, red or pink; it has a vitreous lustre (rarely subresinous on fractures) and hardness 5-5.5. It occurs as short prismatic crystals or compact masses (the name alludes to the granular structure of its massive form) and commonly fluoresces blue under SW UV.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Timescale
The source states no absolute geological timescale for datolite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Supporting findings
Datolite is a secondary mineral in mafic igneous rocks, occurring in geodes in tuffs, in skarns in limestones, in serpentinites and hornblende schists, and in some ore veins.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes datolite's secondary origin and occurrence.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Datolite is associated with calcite, prehnite, zeolites, danburite, axinite and garnet.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes the mineral association.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Asia
- Iwato copper mine, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Dalnegorsk, Primorsky Krai, Russia
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Nødebro Mine, Øyestad, Arendal, Agder, Norway
Sources Mindat: Datolite · Handbook of Mineralogy
- St. Andreasberg, Harz Mountains, Germany
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Serra dei Zanchetti, near Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Alpe di Siusi, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Kratzenberg, Habachtal, Austria
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Lane quarry, Westfield, Massachusetts, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Roncari quarry, East Granby, Connecticut, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Goose Creek quarry, near Leesburg, Virginia, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Charcas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Where the name comes from
Datolite's English name comes from a Greek word meaning 'to divide', a reference to the granular structure seen in the massive variety.
Evidence grade BScope: Etymology explains the origin of the name only; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Datolite is a monoclinic borosilicate species with ideal composition CaBSiO4(OH), a member of the gadolinite group.
Evidence grade BScope: Species-level composition, crystal system and group.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Blue fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light is commonly exhibited by datolite.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes a fluorescence phenomenon only; no mechanism.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The source is a mineralogical data sheet and gives no absolute geological timescale for datolite formation.
- The source gives no mechanism for datolite's colour or blue fluorescence.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Datolite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Datolite” · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Datolite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Datolite is Datolite; use "Datolite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.2, row 硅硼钙石 (Datolite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Datolite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Datolite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Datolite, p.50; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
For ultrasonic cleaning, the registered care conclusion for Datolite is that it must not be cleaned ultrasonically. The conclusion comes from the care (cleaning) entry for Datolite in the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022). The registered treatment state is any treatment state, meaning the conclusion does not change with whether Datolite has been treated: untreated and treated Datolite alike must not be cleaned ultrasonically. The source body is CIBJO. Ultrasonic cleaning should therefore not be used when cleaning Datolite.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
Durability and wearing
Toughness
Brittle
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name of Datolite comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2; the mineralogical name is Datolite, and the suggested listing name is likewise Datolite. Names in four languagesThe four-language names are the Simplified and Traditional Chinese names, English Datolite and the Japanese names, with the GSJ (Japan) formal name written in Japanese script. Institution usageFor authority wording, CIBJO records Datolite (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024), the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked), and GIA and Gem-A are both unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- ダトー石
- Chinese formal name
- 硅硼钙石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2)
- Mineralogical name
- Datolite
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 硅硼钙石
- 繁體中文
- 硅硼鈣石
- English
- Datolite
- 日本語
- ダトー石／ダトライト
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Registered material facts for Datolite: composition CaBSiO4(OH); structure crystalline or crystalline aggregate, monoclinic, with a short prismatic or thick tabular habit, commonly in granular, prismatic, radiating or massive aggregates; Mohs hardness 5–6, cleavage none, with the site note that hardness alone is not enough to judge durability. Density 2.9–3 g/cm³, where the cited clause gives 2.95 with a permitted tolerance of ±0.05 and the range is derived from this; refractive index 1.622–1.67, where the cited clause gives 1.626–1.670 with a permitted tolerance of −0.004 and the range is derived from this; birefringence 0.044–0.046, where the site notes that the clause has finer sub-ranges and the overall value is used. Optical character anisotropic, biaxial, negative, commonly an anisotropic aggregate; transparency transparent to translucent; when untreated, the quality factor lustre is vitreous; the UV-visible spectrum is not diagnostic, and there are infrared absorption bands characteristic of datolite in the mid-infrared region.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Datolite — nomenclature status: IMA status G: grandfathered (described before the IMA existed, and generally regarded as a valid species).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Datolite — composition (chemistry): CaBSiO4 (OH)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — composition (phase): datolite
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Datolite — structure (overall): crystalline, or else a crystalline aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic system
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — structure (crystal habit): stubby prisms or thick plates; mostly granular, columnar, radiating or massive aggregates.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Datolite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — cleavage: none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Datolite — density: 2.9–3 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 2.95, with a stated tolerance of ±0.05. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Datolite — optic character: biaxial, optically negative (anisotropic); commonly an anisotropic aggregate.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — refractive index: 1.622–1.67
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.626–1.670, with a stated tolerance of -0.004. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — birefringence: 0.044–0.046
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — transparency: transparent, translucent.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Datolite — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — fluorescence (overall): short wave none to moderate, blue
GB/T 16553—2017
UV fluorescencebluenone–moderateDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — spectrum (infrared): Mid-IR absorption follows the pattern typical of datolite
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Datolite — magnification: obvious birefringence, gas-liquid inclusions, granular or columnar structure aggregate.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Datolite — body colour: colorless, white, light green, light yellow, pink, purple, brown, grey, etc.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Iolite, Smithsonite, Pyroxene and other variety clauses also name colourless.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Datolite — body colour: colourless, white, yellowish, greenish, orange-brown.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Andesine, Diaspore, Dolomite and other entries also name colourless.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Both list colourless and white, pale yellowish and greenish tones, and browns. GB/T 16553—2017 also lists pink, purple and grey; the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book gives orange-brown.
Quality factors
Datolite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.25 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.646 / 2.95; Closest values: 1Danburite 1.633 / 3, 2Dushan Yu / Dushan Jade 1.63 / 2.9, 3Achroite 1.635 / 2.86, 4Actinolite 1.627 / 3.03, 5Prehnite 1.625 / 2.88
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
One conclusion registered for Datolite on identification and market concerns synthetics: there is no synthetic datolite on the market, as cited from the Datolite row of the CIBJO Blue Book.
How far testing can go
Datolite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
At the clause level, Datolite is defined directly in CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the term Datolite, giving the mineral species as datolite and the IMA status as G, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page; the cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex. The IMA Mineral List entry also records it as Datolite, written Datolite CaB(SiO4)(OH) G 1806, cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data).
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| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datolite | 7.2.1.70 | colourless, white, yellowish, greenish, orange- brown, transparent, translucent | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Datolite | IMA Mineral List entry | Datolite CaB(SiO4)(OH) G 1806 | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Datolite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.