Sugilite
Our company currently has inventory of all types and colors of Sugilite. Sugilite comes in a myriad of colors hues and textures. We classify our material into two broad categories - Chalcedony and Manganoan. In both types there will be differences in color hues, color intensity and color patterns.
Sugilite can range in color from vibrant neon pink to deep passionate royal purple. The most sought after material is known as Old Manganoan which is typically a translucent dark grape purple which changes color depending on lighting environments and should turn to an almost black in night lighting conditions. Many people find it difficult to accurately capture the unique color of sugilite in photography.
The stone appears more reddish in incandescent lighting and
Bluish in daylight conditions. Sugilite provides endless unusual, scenic, bizarre and pure patterns and clarity's.
Sugilite is a somewhat obscure mineral named for the Japanese geologist who discovered the first specimens in 1944, Ken-ichi Sugi. Its overwhelming popularity and rarity have caused the price to swell to well over 20 dollars per gram for high grade material in the jewelry trade. Reference Lapidary journals most recent price guide, however you will more than likely find that the magazine states there is no gem grade available. It has a very distinctive opaque purple color when found in its most desirable color shades. The polished stones are mostly opaque with an almost waxy luster and a deep reddish purple color. It has been described as a purple turquoise although there is no relation between the two minerals. Its jewelry uses are becoming widespread and sugilite is being used in jewelry styles with turquoise, malachite, gem silica, chrysoprase and coral. Some sugilite has been cut into faceted gemstones, while we do have some they are very pricey but these are very rare.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
· Color is purple, brown to yellow, pale pink and even black.
· Luster is vitreous to dull or waxy.
· Transparency: Crystals are translucent to opaque.
· Crystal System is hexagonal; 6/m 2/m 2/m.
· Crystal Habits include rare striated prismatic crystals, but specimens are usually massive.
· Cleavage is poor in one direction.
· Fracture is subconchoidal.
· Hardness is 6 - 6.5
· Specific Gravity is approximately 2.75 - 2.80 (average)
· Streak is brown.
· Notable Occurrences include the type locality of Iwagi Island, Shikoku, Japan as well as Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada and most importantly, South Africa.
· Best Field Indicators are color, hardness, luster, streak and locality
Purchasing:
The quickest and easiest purchase of Sugilite is if the customer already has in mind a particular type and/or color. If we are sent your sample we will do our best to match it. We will then inform you of the price and amount available.
Another approach is to purchase a sample parcel of Sugilite, slabbed, rough or cabochons for examination. Your invoice will identify the grade and type of each stone, slab or rough. After examination you may choose to modify your order to only one selection, you have the option to exchange part or all of the order. This allows you to only purchase the type and quality of material you are seeking. The sample parcel is fully refundable (less shipping cost). One advantage of a sample parcel is to establish an accurate basis for discussions on meeting your needs in Sugilite.
