Wollastonite
Wollastonite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with several world-class Chinese localities.
About Wollastonite
Wollastonite belongs to the silicate class in the wollastonite group and has the chemical formula CaSiO3. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market. Its combination of structural character and global distribution make it a recognized species in both systematic and aesthetic collections.
Identification & care
Crystals commonly develop as tabular bladed crystals; fibrous; massive, compact. Its color range is broad, including white, colorless, pale gray, pale yellow, and pale green. The luster is vitreous, silky, pearly, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect on {100} and {001} — near-perpendicular (diagnostic). The fracture is splintery, uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
How it forms
The geological setting for Wollastonite is typically contact metamorphism of limestone (thermal metamorphism: caco3 + sio2 → casio3 + co2); calc-silicate skarns; high-pressure metamorphic terranes. It is commonly found in association with calcite, diopside, grossular, epidote, vesuvianite, hedenbergite, andradite.
Classic Chinese localities
Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Jiama Cu-polymetallic deposit, Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field and Dachang ore field, among others.
Why collectors care
Wollastonite is a frequently-sought species in serious collections because its habit is recognizable, its color often strong, and its best examples unmistakable even at a distance. Chinese material has driven much of the recent visual shift in the species — sharper crystals, deeper colors, cleaner matrix.
What affects value
Value in Wollastonite is assessed, in typical order of weight, against: (1) locality provenance; (2) size relative to the species norm; (3) crystal form and termination sharpness; (4) color saturation and zoning; (5) transparency and internal clarity; (6) matrix quality and aesthetic balance; (7) condition (absence of damage, chips, or repair). Cleaning quality and verified locality documentation act as multipliers across the above.
Naming history
The name Wollastonite has a specific etymological and historical context — see Mindat's reference entry for provenance details. We have retained naming data at the record level; published prose is paraphrased from factual fields rather than copied from source.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wollastonite?
Wollastonite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with several world-class Chinese localities.
What crystal system does Wollastonite belong to?
Wollastonite crystallises in the Triclinic crystal system.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.