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  • Sugilite

Sugilite

Sugilite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2021
Sugilite Polished Sugilite Rough Sugilite Jewelry
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Sugilite Colors
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • Care
  • More About Sugilite

Sugilite belongs to a class of minerals known as silicates and is a member of the milarite group. A relatively recent addition to the realm of gemstones, sugilite was discovered in 1944 by a Japanese geologist, Ken-ichi Sugi. The mineral is named in his honor. The original find was a yellowish brown variety that was of no interest to the jewelry industry. It was not until 1979 that the first massive aggregates, exhibiting a rich purple color, were discovered in a South African manganese mine. This material was attractive and gained the attention of the gemstone industry. It is predominantly found in the form of cabochons of various shapes and sizes, but has also been used as a component in intarsia jewelry. It is sometimes carved into decorative objects and fashioned into beads.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Sugilite
Species
Sugilite
Transparency
Semitransparent - Opaque
Refractive Index
1.607-1.610
Tolerance:(+0.001/-0.002)
Birefringence
0.003
Optic Character
Uniaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
5.5-6.5
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.690-2.790 Typical:2.740
Toughness
Good
Inclusions
Sugilite might have banded appearance.
Luster
Vitreous, Waxy
Fracture
Granular
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
potassium sodium lithium iron manganese silicate
Chemical Formula
(K,NA)(Na,Fe)2(Li2Fe)Si12O30
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Sugilite Colors

  • Purple Sugilite
    Purple
  • Purple Sugilite
    Purple

Alternate Names

Royal Azel, Royal Lavulite; Cybelene; Royal Lazelle

Countries of Origin

South Africa

Care

Normal Care

More About Sugilite

Normal care for untreated stones. Avoid solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaners for treated stones.

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