Sugilite

Sugilite stone, crystal, gem, gemstone.

Buy natural sugilite in our shop

Sugilite is a rare pink to purple cyclosilicate mineral with the complex chemical formula KNa2(Fe, Mn, Al)2Li3Si12O30.

Sugilite stone

The stone crystallizes in the hexagonal system with prismatic crystals. The crystals are rarely found and the form is usually massive. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 and a specific gravity of 2.75 to 2.80. It is mostly translucent.

The gem was first described in 1944 by the Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi (1901–1948) for an occurrence on Iwagi, Japan, where it is found in an aegirine syenite intrusive stock.

It is found in a similar environment at Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. In the Wessels mine in Northern Cape Province of South Africa, the gemstone is mined from a strata-bound manganese deposit. It is also reported from Liguria and Tuscany, Italy; New South Wales, Australia and Madhya Pradesh, India.

Sugilite from Australia

Silicate mineral

Silicate minerals are rock-forming minerals made up of silicate groups. They are the largest and most important class of minerals and make up approximately 90 percent of the Earth’s crust.

In mineralogy, silica (silicon dioxide) SiO2 is usually considered a silicate mineral. Silica is found in nature as the mineral quartz, and its polymorphs.

On Earth, a wide variety of silicate minerals occur in an even wider range of combinations as a result of the processes that have been forming and re-working the crust for billions of years. These processes include partial melting, crystallization, fractionation, metamorphism, weathering, and diagenesis.

Diatomaceous earth, a biogenic form of silica as viewed under a microscope. The imaged region measures approximately 1.13 by 0.69 mm.
Living organisms also contribute to this geologic cycle. For example, a type of plankton known as diatoms construct their exoskeletons (“frustules”) from silica extracted from seawater. The frustules of dead diatoms are a major constituent of deep ocean sediment, and of diatomaceous earth.

Cyclosilicates

Cyclosilicates, or ring silicates, have three or more tetrahedra linked in a ring. The general formula is (SixO3x)2x−, where one or more silicon atoms can be replaced by other 4-coordinated atoms. The silicon:oxygen ratio is 1:3. Double rings have the formula (Si2xO5x)2x− or a 2:5 ratio. The Nickel–Strunz classification is 09.C.

Sugilite under microscope

Sugilite meaning and healing properties benefits

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

Thought to be a nurturing gemstone, It offers release from worries. It also promotes positive emotions to help relieve stress, establish peace of mind and emotional healing. To metaphysical adherents, sugilite is a stone of forgiveness and instills the deep satisfaction of all-abiding freedom.

FAQ

What is sugilite good for?

The stone is believed to generate positive energy to protect against and overcome negative emotions and situations. Thought to be a nurturing gemstone, The gem offers release from worries. It also promotes positive emotions to help relieve stress, establish peace of mind and emotional healing.

How can you tell if sugilite is real?

Sometimes described as mostly translucent, but it generally has a very cloudy aspect to it. A single gemstone, when polished, will display a number of different shades of purple as well as darker veins which may even be close to black.

Why is sugilite so expensive?

With its grape jelly colouring and various perceived healing properties, The crystal is one of the world’s most sought after gemstones. However, it’s rare and not easily accessible, which is what makes it so much more expensive.

How much does sugilite gemstone cost?

High grade, translucent gem sells for much higher prices and is rare. $50 or more per carat is not that uncommon for fine stone. The very best stones are those with the best translucency, rich / deep coloring and with a “gel” appearance and these, sometimes known as sugilite gel may fetch over $500 per carat.

Can I wear sugilite crystal to sleep?

When you wear the crystal as a pendant or as a ring, you are protecting yourself from negative energies that may be attracted to your positive light. At night, you can keep it under your pillow so that the stone’s healing energies will protect you while you sleep. This will also cleanse your aura even while you’re sleeping.

Where is sugilite gem found?

It is found at Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. In the Wessels mine in northern Cape province of South Africa, The stone is mined from a strata-bound manganese deposit. It is also reported from Liguria and Tuscany, Italy; New South Wales, Australia and Madhya Pradesh, India.

What is the difference between sugilite and charoite?

Sugilite has usually consistent violet color though some pieces can contain slight patterning but it’s usually straight lines. Some gel material is translucent and quite expensive. Charoite is a little softer, 5 to 6 Mohs, but still too hard to be scratched by a fingernail.

What is gel sugilite?

The rare, dark purple translucent material is known as gel sugilite and highly valuable. The known reserves at the Wessels mine are exhausted and the stone has become a pricey and sought after gem.

Natural sugilite for sale in our shop

We make custom made sugilite as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.