What does hiddenite mean?
Hiddenite is a rare, emerald-green variety of spodumene, a mineral containing lithium and aluminum. Its green color is generally attributed to manganese impurities. Fine, transparent crystals can be cut as gemstones, while strongly colored, translucent material may also be collected for its ornamental appeal. Hiddenite is chiefly associated with granitic pegmatites, the coarse-grained igneous rocks that also yield minerals such as quartz, feldspar, tourmaline, and kunzite. Within the spodumene species, it is distinguished by its green rather than pink, lavender, or yellow coloring. The name is frequently encountered in jewelry and mineral collecting, but specimens vary greatly in color and quality. Consequently, an attractive crystal is not automatically a gem-grade stone, and descriptions such as “green hiddenite” commonly refer both to the mineral variety and to individual polished or rough examples of it.
nounA rare emerald-green variety of the mineral spodumene, colored by traces of manganese. It is valued as a gemstone and is especially associated with lithium-bearing pegmatites.
- An emerald-green variety of spodumene, a lithium aluminum silicate mineral valued for its gem quality.
"The jeweler set a flawless hiddenite cabochon in a ring of white gold."
"Collectors regard transparent, deeply colored hiddenite as one of the finest gem-quality spodumene varieties."
"The museum displayed a polished hiddenite specimen alongside other gemstones from pegmatite deposits."
Used when referring to multiple specimens or gemstones of this variety.
"The exhibition included hiddenites from several famous pegmatite localities."
Hiddenite is a jewel-colored lithium mineral whose vivid green belongs to the same mineral species as the ornamental stone known as kunzite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hiddenite
The name hiddenite dates from the late nineteenth century and was formed with the mineral suffix “-ite.” It commemorates George F. Hidden, in whose California mining property the material was found. Although the name recalls the ordinary English word “hidden,” its immediate origin is the surname rather than a descriptive reference to concealed material.
How hiddenite is actually used
Hiddenite refers specifically to the green variety of spodumene; it should not be used as a general term for every spodumene crystal. In mineralogy, the name is normally capitalized.
Easily confused with hiddenite
Hidden is an ordinary adjective meaning concealed from view, whereas hiddenite is the name of a green variety of spodumene.