Childrenite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Childrenite is a brown to yellow collector’s mineral related to eosphorite. The best childrenite crystals are found in Brazil and where the mineral was first discovered: England.

Is childrenite rare? Yes. Childrenite minerals are already rare, and cut childrenite gemstones are even rarer. Its “sister stone” eosphorite is more often cut, but both are rare as gemstones.

In our decades in the gemstone industry, we’ve studied hundreds of uncommon stones. Today, we’re filling you in all you need to know about the mineralogy, qualities, prices, and history of childrenite.

Pictured above: Large, sharp, well-terminated, and gemmy brown-sugar colored childrenite crystal with rose overtones from Brazil; George Elling Collection | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

About Childrenite Stone

Childrenite is a rare semi-precious gemstone found in shades of yellow to brown, sometimes approaching pink.

Astrologically, brown childrenite crystals can benefit earth signs — Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Yellow childrenite crystals may bring luck to air signs — Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Outside gemstone and healing work, what is childrenite used for?

Since the mineral is rare, childrenite isn’t used as an industrial ore. However, scientists have conducted various studies on childrenite to learn more about its:

• Geological formation process

• Relationship to eosphorite in geological, crystallographic, and compositional properties

• Antiferromagnetic structure (where magnetic atoms in one direction cancel out magnetic atoms facing the opposite direction) through neutron single crystal diffraction

• True crystal symmetry and structure (largely monoclinic vs orthorhombic)

Speaking of those properties, let’s get into childrenite’s mineral traits.

Pictured above: Cluster of several childrenite crystals cemented together | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Childrenite Specifications & Characteristics

The mineral childrenite is a hydrated iron aluminum phosphate hydroxide. Its official formula is Fe2+Al(PO4)(OH)2·H2O. Calcium and manganese are common impurities. If supergene oxidation occurs, ferric iron (Fe3+) content may exceed the ferrous iron (Fe2+) content.

The stone’s crystal system isn’t completely conclusive. Optical studies show monoclinic symmetry with an orthorhombic crystal structure, but other studies show only twinned crystals show monoclinic symmetry.

This is similar to debates over the crystal symmetry of eosphorite, but unlike eosphorite, the structure and symmetry of childrenite is still debated.

Childrenite forms a series with eosphorite, with childrenite as the iron endmember and eosphorite as the manganese endmember. If the manganese to iron ratio is 1:1, the mineral may be labeled as “childro-eosphorite.”

Comparing the two, they have the same structures but childrenite has higher density and refractive indices. Eosphorite’s color is usually pinker (thanks to its higher manganese content).

In terms of habits, childrenite crystals may be quant, pyramidal, tabular, prismatic, or platy. Many childrenite crystals are doubly terminated. Twinning is common on {100} and {001}, but it’s usually only visible under magnification. Twinned childrenite crystals also generally have pseudo-orthorhombic symmetry.

The mineral can also occur as radiating clusters, masses, or fibrous crusts.

Childrenite properties listed:

• Mohs hardness: 5

• Color: Brown, yellowish-brown, golden yellow, clove-brown

• Crystal structure: Orthorhombic or monoclinic & pseudo-orthorhombic

• Luster: Vitreous or resinous

• Transparency: Transparent to opaque

• Refractive index: 1.644-1.691

• Density: 3.11-3.20; Increases with higher iron content

• Cleavage: Poor/indistinct on {100}

• Fracture: Irregular/uneven or subconchoidal

• Streak: White

• Luminescence: None

• Pleochroism: Present & distinct - yellow to pink to colorless or pale pink

• Birefringence: 0.027-0.042

• Dispersion: Strong (if iron content is high enough)

Pictured above: Translucent, orange-brown, bladed childrenite crystals on colorless quartz crystal matrix | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Childrenite History

English crystallographer Henry James Brooke wrote the first description of childrenite in 1823 based on specimens discovered in Devon, England, UK (now the type locality). You may know H.J. Brooke as the namesake of brookite.

He bought the first specimens four years prior, but the seller believed they were iron carbonate minerals. The type material was found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins as tiny yellow crystals on quartz.

Upon finally analyzing the stones, Brooke’s colleague Dr. William Hyde Wollaston (an English chemist & physicist) discovered that it was a “Phosphate of Alumina and Iron.”

Brooke chose the name “childrenite” to honor English chemist & mineralogist John George Children, stating “The attention which Mr. Children has shown to mineralogical chemistry is one, among many other inducements to name this mineral Childrenite.”

The relationship of childrenite to eosphorite wasn’t discovered until decades later.

Eosphorite was first officially described by American mineralogists George Jarvis Brush and Edward Salisbury Dana in 1878, 55 years after childrenite’s discovery. In this description, Dana and Brush noted that eosphorite was similar in formula and crystallography to childrenite.

In 1880, American analytical chemist, mineralogist, and crystallographer Samuel Lewis Penfield conducted the first official chemical comparison of eosphorite and childrenite.

Belgian mineralogist Julien Drugman extended the chemical understanding of the two mineral’s relationship in his 1915 article “On Childrenite from Crinnis Mine, Cornwall, and Eosphorite from Poland, Maine.”

Pictured above: Doubly-terminated, gemmy, orange childrenite crystal formed as two parallel growths together; Ed Swoboda Collection | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Childrenite Healing Properties

As an often brownish healing stone, childrenite’s metaphysical properties match the grounding and protective benefits of other brown gemstones.

Physical Healing

Physically, childrenite is believed to treat issues related to:

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Abdominal pain

• Metabolism

• Reproduction

• Digestion

• Sleep disorders

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, crystal healers recommend childrenite for:

• Lowering stress

• Boosting creativity

• Promoting mental clarity

• Facilitating greater self-control

• Encouraging open-mindedness

• Stimulating spiritual awareness

• Increasing self-confidence & self-acceptance

• Nurturing positive relationships

• Inspiring greater fulfillment

Chakra Healing

Chakra healing involves targeting a blocked energy center (chakra) to open it so energy can flow freely throughout the entire system again. Childrenite can be used as a root or solar plexus chakra stone.

The root (or base) chakra governs fundamental necessities for development like protection, stability, and connection. If you have a blocked root chakra, you may lack a sense of belonging, feel uncertain, or detach from others.

Meanwhile, the solar plexus chakra rules purpose, growth, and identity. If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel detached, uncertain of your aims in life, or insecure of your abilities.

Opening these chakras with childrenite can help you feel grounded, secure in your purpose, confident, and ready to pursue personal growth.

Pictured above: Gemmy, doubly-terminated orange childrenite crystal with good luster | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Childrenite Gemstone Properties

Besides its rarity, childrenite’s value as a gemstone also depends on its color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Color

Usually, the colors of childrenite crystals range from yellow to yellowish-brown to brown. You might see pinkish shades in specimens that have more manganese content in the eosphorite-childrenite series.

That said, most childrenites lean toward brown, so colors that are more orange or leaning toward pink can be more valuable.

However, not all brown childrenites are unattractive — some brown childrenites make unique and beautiful stones, with inclusions that resemble wood grains.

Cut

Cut childrenite gems overall are rare, but faceted examples are the rarest and generally most valuable. Most faceted childrenites are cut into round or cushion shapes.

Most often, childrenite for sale is rough (uncut).

Clarity

Clarity describes the degree of visible inclusions in a gem, which can lower its transparency and value. Most childrenite crystals have visible inclusions, but fewer will mean higher value.

These imperfections may consist of fluid inclusions along partially healed fractures, uraninite specs, or patchy color zoning (from uneven iron & manganese distribution).

On the other hand, childrenite is often found as an inclusion in other stones like clear quartz.

Carat Weight & Size

Opaque childrenite crystals are almost always larger than transparent crystals but still not huge — generally only a few inches long.

Faceted childrenite gems can be around 4 to 5 cts, but most are around 1 to 2 cts in size.

Pictured above: Hundreds of translucent, orange-brown , bladed childrenite crystals on large feldspar crystal matrix | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Childrenite Formation & Sources

Most often, childrenite forms in metasediments (these are metamorphic rocks that were formerly sedimentary) or granite pegmatites that were hydrothermally phosphatized.

In these circumstances, childrenite can also form as a secondary mineral when a former, “primary” phosphate mineral (e.g. lazulite) becomes altered from external forces. These transformative forces include changes in pressure or temperature, along with new chemicals introduced from the entrance of hydrothermal solutions containing dissolved elements.

As such, childrenite is usually found in granite pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, or hydrothermal vein deposits.

Commonly associated minerals include:

• Apatite

• Gormanite

• Kaolinite

• Lazulite

• Paravauxite

• Pyrite

• Quartz

• Roscherite

• Ruifrancoite

• Siderite

• Tourmaline

• Vauxite

• Vivianite

• Wardite

• Zinnwaldite

Geographically, where is childrenite found?

Mining Locations

Today, the best source for gemmy childrenite material is Brazil. Other top sources are England, Germany, and South Dakota (USA).

Childrenite is also found in:

• Australia

• Austria

• Bavaria

• Bolivia

• Canada

• Serbia

• Zimbabwe

• USA (New Hampshire, North Carolina)

Pictured above: Doubly terminated, gemmy, striated, honey-brown childrenite floater crystal from Brazil | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Childrenite Price & Value

Faceted childrenite gemstones range from around $30 to $70 per carat or roughly $40 to $150 total.

Rough childrenite specimens range broadly in price, largely based on if they’re more translucent, large, or attached to a high-quality mineral.

High-quality childrenite crystals attached to crystals like smoky quartz in large specimens range from around $300 to $1,700. Huge museum specimens can be up to $2,900.

Translucent childrenite crystals of medium size, sometimes attached to other crystals, go for about $40 to $190.

The most affordable childrenite specimens are small and opaque, ranging from about $15 to $45.

Childrenite Care and Maintenance

Overall, gemstone care for childrenite is pretty easy. The main considerations are its mid-range hardness, brittle tenacity, and sensitivity to acids.

Starting with hardness, it’s important to keep childrenite away from harder stones (anything above 5 on the Mohs scale) to prevent contact scratches.

Also, keep acids away from childrenite, as it’s soluble in acids, so these chemicals can make it dissolve.

Clean it with the standard warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. Store it separately from other gemstones.

Cool Off With Childrenite!

Childrenite is a lesser-known mineral, but it’s a gorgeous crystal both cut and rough. The yellow to brown gems are a rare treasure, while the more common rough (uncut) crystals and specimens are more accessible and equally beautiful.

With grounding benefits, geological insights, and alluring rarity, childrenite makes a great addition to any collection.

Buy childrenite and other uncommon gemstones today!