Scapolite
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
5.5 – 6.0
Specific Gravity
2.58 – 2.74
Refractive Index
1.54 – 1.579
Crystal System
Tetragonal
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
Good
Fracture
Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0.006
Dispersion
0.017
Pleochroism
Pink stones - distinct: colorless - pink; Yellow stones - distinct: colorless-(yellowish) - yellow; Violet/purple - strong: violet-blue - dark blue
Mohs Hardness
| Mohs | Reference mineral | Scapolite |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | |
| 4 | Fluorite | |
| 5 | Apatite | |
| 6 | Orthoclase | ● |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Scapolite
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
5.5 to 6Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
2.58 to 2.74Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
BrittleWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
GoodWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
ConchoidalWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
1.540 to 1.579Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Uniaxial/-Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
0.006 to 0.037Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
Pink stones - distinct: colorless - pink; Yellow stones - distinct: colorless-(yellowish) - yellow; Violet/purple - strong: violet-blue - dark blueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Violet - strong pleochroism: violet-blue - dark-blueMore from other references
0.017Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Yes, star 4 (rare). Common pink, violet, colorless cat's eyesHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Yellow, rose-pink, violet, colourlessUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Various colors, color centers related to irradiation of Cl, CO23 or SO24 - groups present in the large voids of the crystal structureW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
TransparentUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
VitreousArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Pink: orange, pink; Yellow: violet, blue-redWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
There are variable responses with some phosphorescence reportedMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Yellow specimens from Myanmar give yellow to orange and some East African yellow stones show a very bright yellow-greenMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
There are variable responses with some phosphorescence reportedMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
TetragonalHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Prismatic, usually with flat pyramidal terminations; masses are also known.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Occurs in regionally metamorphosed rocks, particularly in marbles.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Hollow tubes, needle-like crystals - Gemmological Tables, Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, p 8
Scapolite information at mindat.org
Madagascar
Madagascar, extraLapis, English No.1, 2001, p. 44
Myanmar
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 446
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
[var: Meionite] Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 446
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Peru
J. Hyrsl (2012) Gemstones of Peru, p. 71
Tajikistan
Zolotarev (1993)
Tanzania
Barot et al. (1995)
Gemstones of the world, W.Schumann, 2001, p.188
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 446
About Scapolite
Scapolite is a group of sodium-calcium aluminum silicate minerals that range in color from colorless and white to yellow, orange, pink, and violet, and occasionally display cat's eye or adularescent effects. Gem-quality material is found in Myanmar, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil, with deep violet and golden yellow varieties being especially sought by collectors. Its range of colors, optical phenomena, and moderate hardness make it an intriguing, underappreciated gem.
On this page
Jewelry Use
Durability
4/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scapolite?
Scapolite is a group of sodium-calcium aluminum silicate minerals that range in color from colorless and white to yellow, orange, pink, and violet, and occasionally display cat's eye or adularescent effects. Gem-quality material is found in Myanmar, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil, with deep violet
What is the hardness of Scapolite?
Scapolite has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Scapolite?
Scapolite is primarily Various.
How much does Scapolite cost?
Scapolite falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Scapolite?
Scapolite belongs to the Tetragonal crystal system.