Sugilite
| Colour | Purple, Brown, Yellow, Red |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6– |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Poor on {0001} |
| Chemical formula | KNa 2 (Fe,Mn,Al) 2 Li 3 Si 12 O 30 |
| Specific gravity | 2.74 |
What is Sugilite?
Sugilite ( SOO-gə-lyte, -jee-) is a relatively rare pink to purple cyclosilicate mineral with the complex chemical formula KNa2(Fe, Mn, Al)2Li3Si12O30. Sugilite 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 5.5–6.5 and a specific gravity of 2.75–2.80. It is mostly translucent. Sugilite was first described in 1944 by the Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi (1901–1948) for an occurrence on Iwagi Islet, Japan, where it is found in an aegirine syenite intrusive stock. It is found in a similar e
How to identify Sugilite
- Lustre: Vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 6– — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Hexagonal crystal system.
Sugilite in different forms
Stones often confused with Sugilite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Sugilite?
Sugilite is Mohs 6– on the hardness scale.
What colour is Sugilite?
Sugilite is typically purple, brown, yellow, red (Light brownish-yellow, purple, violet, reddish violet, pale pink, colorless).