Sugilite Facts, Information and Description
Sugilite, a fairly recent discovery was found first in Japan in 1944. Sugilite is named for the Japanese geologist
who discovered the first specimens, Ken-ichi Sugi. The second known occurrence came in 1955. A single dark red ore specimen
was found that had pink crystals across its surface. It was found in manganese ore samples in the Madhya Pradesh in central
India. It was not identified as Sugilite until many years afterwards. Neither of these discoveries produced sufficient quantities
or material of desirable color to be of any use to the gem maker.
In 1975 the third and most important
occurrence took place in the Southern Khalahari desert near Hotazel, South Africa. This came in the form of a thin bright
magenta band running through a core sample obtained at the Wessels Manganese mine. The part of the mine where the sample was
obtained contained only low grade ore, so excavation of this area did not ensue until several years later (after the high
grade areas had been mined).
In 1979 they turned their efforts to the low grade ore area where the
Sugilite had been found. At 3,200 feet below the surface, an inclined shaft's roof fell in, exposing the first major deposit
of gem grade Sugilite. This great pocket yielded about ten thousand pounds of material suitable for gem making. Most of this
original material has since been used up, but occasionally more has been found in limited quantities.
It is opaque with a waxy luster and ranges from a pale grayish lavender to a deep dark purple.
Sugilite is also known under the trade names of "Royal Lavulite" and "Royal
Azel".
Sugilite often contains black matrix, reddish
brown or yellowish blotches and ranges between 6 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Bright purple stones
with little matrixing or blotches are the most valued. Gem grade sugilite is beautifully and because it is quite rare the
price on the market can only go up.
Healing Properties
It is said that sugilite strengthens
the heart, aids physical healing and reduces stress. It is a balancer of mind, body and spirit and encourages peace of mind,
a general feeling of well being and spiritual love. It is also suggested that sugilite seems to protect against and dissipate
anger and other negative energies.
I got the Sugulite from a very trustful mineral dealer in Switzerland.
Origin: Wessel's Mine, South Africa.
