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 follows:
KNa2(Fe,Mn,Al)2Li3Si12O30
The composition of sugilite varies because iron, manganese, and aluminum can substitute for one another. This makes the color and other properties of sugilite variable.