Sugilite
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
5.5 – 6.5
Specific Gravity
2.69 – 2.79
Refractive Index
1.607 – 1.612
Crystal System
Hexagonal
Luster
Resinous
Cleavage
Poor
Fracture
Sub-Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0.003
Pleochroism
Weak
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 5.5 – 6.5
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Sugilite
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
It has been noted by J.Call (unpublished observation) that dark purple sugilite can be lightened by heating at about 450�C; the product may have a banded appearance - Nassau (1984)
May be mixed with chalcedony - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 5
5.5 to 6.5Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
2.69 to 2.79Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
PoorArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Sub-ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
1.607 to 1.612Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Uniaxial/-Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
0.003 to 0.005Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
WeakAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Violet, purple-redUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Purple, Mn3+ and Fe3+ presumably in octahedral coordinationW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
Translucent,OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Opaque to semi-transparentMore from other references
ResinousWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references
HexagonalHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
MassiveMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sugilite occurs in an aegirine-bearing syenite stock in biotite granite in bedded manganese deposits.Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references
Sugilite information at mindat.org
South Africa
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 457
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 457
Gems, Sixth Edition, Michael O’Donoghue, 2006, p. 457
About Sugilite
Sugilite is a vivid purple to magenta cyclosilicate mineral that was first discovered in Japan in 1944 and named after petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi, but only gained gemological importance after the discovery of gem-quality material at the Wessels Mine in South Africa's Kalahari in the 1970s. Its rich, uniform purple to violet color makes it one of the few truly purple gemstones alongside amethyst and tanzanite, and it is used extensively in cabochons, beads, and carvings. South Africa remains the primary source of fine sugilite.
Jewelry Use
Durability
4/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sugilite?
Sugilite is a vivid purple to magenta cyclosilicate mineral that was first discovered in Japan in 1944 and named after petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi, but only gained gemological importance after the discovery of gem-quality material at the Wessels Mine in South Africa's Kalahari in the 1970s. Its rich,
What is the hardness of Sugilite?
Sugilite has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Sugilite?
Sugilite is primarily Various.
How much does Sugilite cost?
Sugilite falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Sugilite?
Sugilite belongs to the Hexagonal crystal system.