Nambulite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Nambulite is a glassy, red to orange mineral originally found in Japan. It’s known for its stunning color and similarity to rhodonite.

Is nambulite rare? Definitely. Nambulite minerals are already rare, but nambulite gemstone material is incredibly difficult to find.

That doesn’t mean finding all the background info on nambulite is difficult, though. In this guide, we’re sharing our expertise harnessed from years of industry experience to break down the history, properties, prices, and benefits of nambulite.

Pictured above: Cherry red nambulite crystal on matrix from Kombat Mine; John Barlow Collection | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

About Nambulite Stone

Nambulite is a very rare semi-precious gemstone beloved in vibrant red-orange hues. Originally, it was mistaken for rhodonite and the two can be hard to distinguish.

The only other name used for nambulite is its code “IMA1971-032” given by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA).

Although nambulite is found with manganese ores, it’s too rare to be used industrially.

Scientists have tried to make synthetic nambulite but have been unsuccessful.

Astrologically, the red to orange nambulite stone is beneficial for Leo signs.

Nambulite Specifications & Characteristics

As a lithium manganese silicate, the nambulite formula is written as LiMn2+4Si5O14(OH). Since sodium sometimes replaces minor amounts of lithium, nambulite’s formula may be written as NaLiMn8Si10O28(OH)2 or (Li,Na)Mn4Si5O14(OH).

However, if there’s more sodium than lithium, you get nambulite’s sodium analogue natronambulite — with the formula NaMn2+4Si5O14(OH) or (Na,Li)(Mn,Ca)4Si5O14OH. The two minerals form the nambulite-natronambulite solid solution series.

Another mineral similar to nambulite is hydrorhodonite, but it contains magnesium and water.

In terms of habits, nambulite crystals are usually prismatic but can be wedge-shaped, tabular, or flattened. More often, it’s found as small, irregular masses. Twinning is infrequent.

Nambulite properties listed:

• Mohs hardness: 6.5

• Color: Reddish-brown with orange tint, orange-brown, red-orange, orange, or orange-yellow

• Crystal structure: Triclinic

• Luster: Subvitreous or vitreous

• Transparency: Translucent to opaque; Rarely transparent

• Refractive index: 1.707-1.730

• Density: 3.51-3.53

• Cleavage: Perfect on {001}, distinct on {010} & {100}

• Fracture: Not applicable

• Streak: Pale yellow

• Luminescence: None

• Pleochroism: Present but weak

• Birefringence: 0.023

• Dispersion: Weak

Pictured above: Red, transparent nambulite crystal cluster | Image credit: D. Nishio-Hamane, Flickr, CC-BY-SA-2.0

Nambulite History

Three scientists from the Geological Survey of Japan research institute wrote the first description of nambulite in 1972: M. Yoshii, Y. Aoki, and K. Maeda.

Describing it as “a new lithium- and sodium-bearing manganese silicate,” they discovered the mineral at the Funakozawa manganese mine, located in the Kitakami mountains in northeastern Japan.

The Head of the mine, Yoshizo Ôkura, found the first nambulite specimen and gave it to M. Yoshii to identify. He thought it was rhodonite initially, but found it was a new mineral after lab analysis.

The mineral’s name honors Japanese economic geologist Professor Matsuo Nambu. Nambu worked at the Research Institute of Mineral Dressing and Metallurgy at Tohoku University in Japan. He was known for his research on manganese minerals, writing the first descriptions for manjirōite, takanelite, and kozulite.

The mineral’s lithium analogue natronambulite was discovered in 1985 at the Tanohata mine in Japan.

Since its original discovery, nambulite has been found in a few other locales around the world. One notable deposit is the Kombat mine in Namibia.

The Kombat mine is primarily a copper deposit, but it’s also known for being the type locality of 16 minerals and containing rare minerals like glaucochroite and nambulite.

Nambulite Healing Properties

As a commonly red healing stone, nambulite’s meaning reflects the motivating and strengthening properties of other red gemstones.

Physical Healing

Physically, nambulite is believed to treat issues related to:

Blood circulation

Chest pain

Inflammation

Skin disorders

Memory loss

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, crystal healers recommend nambulite for:

Boosting positivity

Fostering self-acceptance

Encouraging forgiveness

Promoting understanding & compassion

Balancing extreme emotions

Chakra Healing

Chakra healing involves opening blocked energy centers (chakras) so that energy can flow freely through the entire chakra system again.

Nambulite is a chakra stone for the root (or base) chakra, located at the bottom of your spine. This chakra governs fundamental necessities like stability, safety, and connection.

When the root chakra is blocked, you might feel distrustful, emotionally disconnected, or afraid. After using nambulite, you’ll know the root chakra is open if you feel grounded, comfortable, and more secure in yourself.

Pictured above: Red nambulite crystal from Kombat Mine in Namibia; John Barlow Collection | Image credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

Nambulite Gemstone Properties

Besides rarity, nambulite’s value as a gemstone depends on its color, cut, clarity/transparency, and carat weight.

Color

Most nambulite is reddish-brown, making any vibrant red or orange specimens without brown tones are more valuable.

Cut

Since cuttable gem-quality material is incredibly rare, faceted nambulite is equally rare.

You might see massive nambulite cut into cabochons. Most often, nambulite for sale is rough (uncut).

Clarity & Transparency

Clarity describes the degree of visible inclusions in a gem, which often lower its transparency and value.

Potential inclusions or blemishes in nambulite include rhodonite and sometimes, internal flaws creating iridescent-like qualities.

Nambulite with fewer inclusions and greater transparency is more valuable.

Carat Weight & Size

Japanese nambulite crystals grow up to 8 mm long. The largest nambulite crystals, up to 30 mm (3 cm), come from Namibia. They could yield faceted gems weighing up to 10 carats but none have been cut that large.

Pictured above: Nambulite specimens displayed at the Mining Museum of Akita University in Japan | Image credit: 掬茶, CC-BY-SA-4.0

Nambulite Formation & Sources

Nambulite forms when hydrothermal solutions alter rhodonite. Most nambulite specimens are found in veinlets of metamorphic rocks.

One 1987 study proposed that nambulite formation requires low-temperature, low-pressure conditions along with hydrothermal activity related to contact metamorphism.

Commonly associated minerals include:

• Albite

• Braunite

• Gypsum

• Hausmannite

• Neotocite

• Palenzonaite

• Quartz

• Rhodochrosite

• Rhodonite

• Tephroite

Geographically, where is nambulite found?

Mining Locations

So far, the only notable sources of nambulite are in Japan and Namibia.

The stone has also been reported in:

• Australia

• Austria

• Brazil

• India

• Italy

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Sweden

• Switzerland

Pictured above: Rough, pinkish-orange nambulite specimen | Image credit: D. Nishio-Hamane, Flickr, CC-BY-SA-2.0

Nambulite Price & Value

Since they’re so rare, faceted nambulite gemstone prices aren’t established yet.

Rough nambulite specimens can be found for $25 to $90 each.

You can also find nambulite jewelry, with the general pricing:

• Pendants: Around $300

• Beaded Necklaces: Around $450-$500

• Earrings: Around $120-$175

Just be careful — nambulite can be easily mistaken for less rare gemstones like rhodonite.

Nambulite Care and Maintenance

Nambulite requires somewhat gentle gemstone care, given its perfect cleavage. We recommend protective settings for any nambulite jewelry.

Clean the stone with warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. Store separately from other gems to avoid scratches.

Neutralize Negativity with Nambulite!

Nambulite is a lesser-known mineral and virtually unknown gemstone. Often compared to rhodonite, nambulite stands out with alluring rarity, fiery colors, and metaphysical benefits for bringing warmth to your mind, body, and soul.

Buy nambulite and other rare gemstones today!