Datolite is a mineral closely associated with the copper mines in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The natural coloration of Datolite is white, but I have seen or collected Datolite in gray, green, pink hues, mauve, brown, red, orange, black, and the most rare, yellow. Any combination of these colors is possible. Small specks of copper and other inclusions may be present.
Datolite nodules, rough and cut
One of the things that make Keweenaw Datolite unique is its nodular form. Nodules are difficult to locate on a rock pile, because they blend into the background rock. A small glint of color or a rounded cauliflower shape might be the only clue that this valuable gemstone is hiding right in front of your eyes. Crystals of Datolite also occur, but to a lesser extent than the nodules. Datolite also can form in seams.
Datolite makes wonderful and colorful jewelry, and our Datolites represent many mines in the Keweenaw. I hunt Datolite as well as purchase specimens found by others to produce my jewelry. Datolite from the Keweenaw, as well as other minerals, is becoming scarce due to several factors including the mine dumps being on private property, or being ground up and hauled away for road fill. I have seen a steady price increase in Datolite in the past few years as the sources vanish. Now would be a good time to invest in these beautiful and rare gems!
Greenstone and Datolite have been designated as Michigan’s only true precious gemstones. Quality wire-wrapped Datolite jewelry is my specialty. If you have a special request for Datolite contact me.
For even more on the colors of Datolite found in each mine, click on this link to Jeff Anderson’s web site Dwarves’ Earth Treasures.