Sugilite

High-end Mineral Specimens

Sugilite is a rare lithium-bearing ring silicate mineral that usually occurs as granular or massive material rather than distinct crystals. It ranges from yellowish brown to pink and violet; the richly purple material familiar in jewelry is manganese-bearing sugilite from South African deposits.

Identity

Material or variety: Sugilite
Scientific or material identity: Sugilite
Classification: Natural mineral or mineral variety
Aliases or trade names: Lavulite · Luvulite · Royal azel
Composition or formula: Complex potassium sodium lithium iron manganese silicate
Crystal system or structure: Hexagonal
Geological or manufacturing origin: Can form in more than one geological environment, or combines several materials.
Mohs hardness: 5.5 to 6.5

Origins

Australia · Canada · India · Italy · Japan · South Africa · Tajikistan

Appearance & optical properties

opaque violet sugilite with dark veining.

History & discovery

Ken-ichi Sugi found the first known material on Iwagi Islet, Japan, in 1944; the mineral was later named for him and formally described in 1976. Purple gem material encountered near Hotazel, South Africa, in 1975 established sugilite’s modern jewelry identity.

Uses & care

Common uses: Purple massive material is cut into cabochons, beads, inlay, and carvings; translucent pieces may be faceted, while uncommon crystals and contrasting matrix specimens are collected.
Handling and cleaning: Clean with a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. Sugilite is fairly tough but can be scratched, so store it separately from harder gems and use protective settings for rings.

Jewellery

5 pieces of Sugilite jewellery. Learners earn each one in DigMyGem by learning words; until then it shows as a silhouette.

Royal Azel Pendant
Pendant
A pendant set with a dome of deep purple sugilite, the colour of a ripe grape, in a protective silver frame. The stone is soft, so it is kept in a bezel to shield its edges.
Wessels Stone Ring
Ring
A ring centred on a faceted sugilite of translucent violet, cutting a colour close to amethyst. Most sugilite never grows clear enough to facet.
Violet Echo Earrings
Earrings
A pair of drop earrings set with matched sugilite cabochons, their purple deepening toward the centre. It is a rare, young gem for a modern cabinet.
Kalahari Violet Bangle
Bracelet
An imagined silver bangle set with sugilite, the deep magenta-purple stone from the Kalahari manganese mines.
Violet Empress Necklace
Necklace
An imagined gold necklace set with sugilite, the deep magenta-purple stone from the Kalahari.