Dumortierite is best known in its massive form, which makes an attractive violet and blue decorative stone when polished. Reddish brown and red varieties also occur. Prismatic crystals larger than are very rare. Dumortierite is also found intergown with rock crystal (colorless quartz), and is then called dumorticrite quartz. This material is usually cm en cabochon or polished to make decorative stones.

Most gem quality material is found in Nevada (USA). Other localities include France, Madagascar, Norway, Sri Lanka, Canada, Poland, Namibia, and Italy

Dumortierite was named after the French scientist, M.E. Dumortier.