How To Tell if Nuummite Is Real (3 Tips For Beginners)

Nuummite originates from the Nuuk region of West Greenland, which means that only so much of the stone can be sold.

It’s easily confusable with other dark iridescent rocks, which is why it’s best to double-check that the Nuummite is, in fact, real.

Below, we will cover the composition, tips for identifying, and what Nuummite can be confused for.

How To Tell if Nuummite Is Real (A Guide)

What Is Nuummite?

Nuummite is a rarely found metamorphic rock composed of two main amphiboles named Anthophyllite and Gedrite and can be mixed with pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite.

With a molecular weight of 780.82 gm, this material has a black base and includes iridescent hues of gold, yellow, copper, red, blue, or green.

Its chemical formula is (Mg2)(Mg5)Si8O22(OH)2, and it has a hardness between 5.5-6.0.

Its exterior features an opaque texture with a flossy luster if polished.

The exterior always has iridescence which is the main characteristic that sets it apart from similar gemstones.

In nature, the stone is scarce and only gets to be about 25 cm in size.

The crystal was recently found in 1810 but has since been around 3.8 billion years ago and is one of the oldest stones on earth.

Commercially, Nuummite is prominent in the metaphysical world, referred to as the Magicians Stone.

It’s said to be the stone of empowerment and helps one understand the deeper meaning of words and actions.

Otherwise, it’s also used in jewelry or as a decoration.

Tips For Identifying Nuummite

Nuumite is a blackish color and can often be confused with other gemstones with similar appearances.

The main characteristics of Nuumite may be hard to distinguish without fully identifying what accompanying minerals are mixed in with the chemical compound.

That being said, there are still a few tips and tricks one can use to identify legitimate Nuummite from its counterparts.

1. Identify By Color

The primary method of identifying Nuummite is by checking the color and hue of the rock.

Nuummite is always a light-gray color that includes small mixtures of iridescent colors that range from yellow, gold, green, blue, red, or violet.

Each fleck will be a few millimeters to centimeters long but vary from rock to rock.

Look for explicit identifiers such as one or two iridescent colors for coloring.

Nuummite will never have more than two colors in one rock.

So, it’s good to fully example the gemstone to ensure that there are only two mixtures of fleck colors.

2. Examine Clarity & Luster

The clarity of Nuummite is opaque, and is glossy, and lustrous.

Aside from that, a good cut of Nuummite will be free from cracks and have a smooth surface.

However, small cracks can sometimes appear at the edges.

3. Look at Cut & Shape

When looking for cuts of Nuummite, look for ones that have been cut en cabochon.

This particular cut is suitable for the gemstone because it maximizes the color and iridescent flecks.

A poorly cut Nuummite stone can easily get confused with other rocks, which we’ll cover in the next section.

What Can Nuummite Be Confused For?

Nuummite can be easily confused with other dark minerals with metallic lusters.

The most common ones are Astrophyllite and Arfvedsonite.

These gemstones have the same metallic luster and hues, but a powerful identification method includes checking for tiny striations of the black or brown rock.

Chemically, Nuummite is closely similar to orthorhombic amphiboles, which contain anthophyllite.

Another gemstone that is also confused with Nuummite quite often is Dark Larvikite.

It has a similar appearance to Nuummite, but it has distinct features that Nuummite doesn’t.

Some include inclusions of plagioclase and alkali feldspar in blue and silver flashes.

Fake Nuummite can look dark and may have pyrite or mica flecks.

However, the main difference is that look-alikes lack iridescence and metallic flecks.

Real Nuummite will have both iridescence and metallic flecks throughout the entire specimen.

Why Nuummite Identification Matters

Nuummmite is a scarce stone that can only be found in a specific area from Nuuk in Greenland.

Luckily, most rocks in the area are very low in copper, making them non-toxic.

Stones with higher copper amounts can emit toxic gases when exposed to water.

Other than that, Nuummite does contain magnesium iron silicate.

This is only dangerous when handling or cutting Nuummite.

The small particle size of this substance can cause airway obstruction and respiratory mucosa.

Be sure to wear a mask when cutting or working with the stone.

Identification is also crucial for avoiding scams.

The iridescent nature of Nuummite makes it a sought-after gemstone.

So, many dealers, collectors, and peddlers will try to sell fake versions at high prices.

Understanding how to identify Nuummite can help buyers avoid buying counterfeit counterparts.

Lastly, in 2009, a new variety of Nuummite was discovered in central Mauritania.

The new type is called Jenakite and is distinctively different due to its blue, green, and gold bands.

Unlike Greenland’s variety, Jenakite doesn’t have any red anthophyllite crystals.

Greenland mainly has gold, blue, and red bands.

Conclusion

Nuummite is a rare gemstone that many geologists will never get to see in nature.

Its unique chemical composition and iridescent exterior are almost mesmerizing and look stunning like jewelry or stone.

Remember, there are plenty of fake Nuummite rocks out there, and the primary method to tell them apart is through the iridescence and band colors.

Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand a bit more about Nuummite and what the rock is used for.