Nuummite
Nuummite is one of the most commonly mislabelled stones in the current crystal market, though I have noticed some sellers have educated themselves. A large portion of what's sold as nuummite is actually Coppernite (also known as Galaxy Granite), which is primarily sourced from India. Genuine nuummite, however, comes from Nuuk, Greenland. While there have been reports of nuummite being found in Canada, the USA, and Russia, the stones from Greenland are still the most prized. This is because they are incredibly rare and difficult to access. According to my supplier, only 2-3 individuals have the exclusive permit to mine in the specific location, and they can only access it for a few months each year due to the challenging terrain.
Nuummite is highly sought after in the crystal community because of its extraordinary age—about 3 billion years old. It is composed of anthophyllite and gedrite:
- Anthophyllite contributes a golden to bronze iridescence, creating the signature flame-like flashes that nuummite is known for.
- Gedrite, on the other hand, has a more subtle, silvery or steel-colored appearance, adding depth and complexity to the overall look of the stone.
The stone itself is typically dark, ranging from black to dark gray, with shimmering flashes of gold, blue, and green. The inclusions inside are often arranged in streaks or flame-like shapes, giving nuummite its distinctive iridescent effect.
Coppernite
Now, Coppernite, which is often mislabelled as nuummite, may look similar at first glance. However, once you know what authentic nuummite looks like, distinguishing the two becomes much easier. Coppernite has brass-colored flecks in a black matrix, and while high-quality pieces can be visually appealing, it is a much more affordable stone. Coppernite lacks the vivid, distinct iridescence of nuummite and does not exhibit the organized, sheet-like optical effects that nuummite is known for.
Lower Quality Nuummite
Sometimes, low-quality nuummite can be more challenging to distinguish from coppernite. For instance, I have some B-grade stock on my site where you really have to move the stone around in the sunlight to see the subtle streaks and iridescence that confirm it’s genuine nuummite. I really can't seem to get my hands on the high quality ones these days. In these cases, the flashes and flame-like patterns are less pronounced, and you need to observe the stone under the right lighting to appreciate its true qualities.
In conclusion, if the stone is priced cheaply, it is most likely not nuummite. However, if a seller is pricing it appropriately (i.e., it’s expensive), but you're still unsure of its authenticity, the best advice is: don’t buy it.
I hope this helps!