Scapolite does not have a role as an industrial mineral. It is rarely found in minable quantities and does not have a composition or physical properties that make it of industrial use.

The only use of scapolite is as a minor gemstone; however, in that use it can be beautiful and interesting. Yellow and pink transparent scapolite can be cut into very attractive gems like the yellow scapolite shown on this page. Some specimens contain tiny fibrous inclusions that produce a “silk” within the stone that reflects light to form a cat’s-eye. A specimen with a coarse silk that forms both a cat’s-eye and a diffraction grating is shown in the photo at the top of this page.

Scapolite has a Mohs hardness of between 5 and 6, which is too soft to serve as a ring stone. Its use is therefore limited to being a collector’s stone and being mounted in jewelry such as earrings and pendants that have a low risk of impact or abrasion.

Faceted Scapolite: Transparent scapolite can be cut into beautiful faceted gems that are often clear, yellow, pink, or purple in color. It is rarely seen in jewelry because it is not commonly available, and the public is unfamiliar with the gem. It has a hardness of only 5 to 6, which is soft for a ring stone. This stone is a 13 x 10 millimeter oval cut from material produced in India.