A person interested in purchasing sugilite jewelry, loose stones, or cutting rough should be very familiar with the material. The conditions of the gem that they might encounter are listed below: 1) Natural sugilite: This is a naturally occurring material that consists entirely of natural sugilite. Attractive pieces of this material should sell for the highest…

Sugilite occurs in only a few locations worldwide. Production of gem-quality sugilite only occurs in noteworthy amounts from the stratiform manganese deposits in South Africa. Sugilite is also found in small amounts as a primary mineral in igneous rocks and as a secondary mineral in marble. Manganese deposits similar to those of South Africa exist in other…

Imitation sugilite and composite materials made to imitate sugilite are abundant in the marketplace. These items are often sold without disclosure. Much imitation sugilite is also labeled as “synthetic”. It is likely that sellers are unaware of what they are selling. The Gemological Institute of America reports that dyed marble and dyed quartzite have been used as sugilite…

Sugilite was first discovered in 1944. It did not enter the gem and jewelry market until 1979, after commercial quantities of gemstone-quality sugilite were found at the Wessels Mine in South Africa. Very few jewelry consumers are familiar with sugilite. Why? Because it is a rare mineral, only available in small quantities, has a short commercial…

Sugilite is a rare mineral and a gemstone best known for its vibrant pink to purple colors. High-quality specimens are sought after by mineral collectors and lapidarists (people who cut and polish gems). Sugilite is a sodium potassium lithium silicate mineral. Small amounts of manganese produce the pink to purple color displayed by some specimens of sugilite. Its chemical composition is as…