Specimen #2378

Name: Sugilite (rare)

Type: Gem

Locality: South Africa

Favorite? N

Fluorescent? N

Size: 17.07 mm x 11.92 mm

Weight: 8.55 cts

Acquired: 2012-01-19

Source: Arkenstone Auction

Label: N

Comment: Size:8.63 ct Size Description:17.07 mm x 11.92 mm Sugilite is a relatively rare gem, and the purple variety (Manganese rich) is only found in South Africa. In fact, before 1975 Sugilite was not known in very attractive colors, i.e., brown and yellow. Once the royal purple color material was discovered in South Africa, it really opened up the market for gemstone collectors. Nowadays, Sugilite is not seen on the open market very much, and it's a shame because the color is amazingly distinctive and intense. The particular stone is a very rich purple color, "Triangle Cabochon" cut stone from this unique and well known occurrence. Most rare gems are not exceptionally colorful, and this is a great stone to fill a spot in your collection.

Minerals: Sugilite (KNa₂(Fe⁺⁺,Mn⁺⁺,Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃)

There is one picture on file

M02378-01.jpg:

Sugilite, South Africa - FOV: 12.1 x 18.2 mm (8.55 cts)