Gemstone profile and identification guide
Sugilite
Sugilite is a rare purple cyclosilicate prized in collector and ornamental jewelry markets.
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Overview
Sugilite is a rare purple cyclosilicate prized in collector and ornamental jewelry markets.
Did you know? High-saturation purple sugilite has become increasingly scarce in jewelry quality.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Sugilite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Cyclosilicate: Sugilite)
Hardness: 6 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: vitreous to waxy
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Primary colour: Purple
Secondary colour: Violet
Colour family: Purples
Distinctive purple color with species testing helps separate from dyed imitations.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6 Mohs
Chemical composition: Complex potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminum silicate
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Common locations: South Africa, Japan, India, Canada
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Opaque to translucent purple cyclosilicate gemstone material.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Sugilite
Mineral group: Sugilite group
Chemical formula: Complex potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminum silicate
Mohs hardness: 6
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Lustre: vitreous to waxy
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White
Cleavage: Variable by species/material
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.7-2.8
Refractive index: 1.60-1.61
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Violet to deep purple
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: South Africa, Japan, India, Canada
Important commercial sources: Gem-quality sugilite is most commercially associated with South African material
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, inlay, and collector stones.
Care recommendations: Moderate hardness; avoid abrasion and strong impact.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Sugilite.
Formation
Forms in manganese-rich metamorphic and metasomatic environments.
Origin
Gem-quality sugilite is most commercially associated with South African material
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons, inlay, and collector stones.
Ideal uses: Collector cabochons and purple statement pieces.
Care
Moderate hardness; avoid abrasion and strong impact.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Sugilite FAQ
How can I identify Sugilite?
Compare hardness (6 Mohs), crystal system (Hexagonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous to waxy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Sugilite appear in?
Opaque to translucent purple cyclosilicate gemstone material.
Where is Sugilite commonly used?
Collector cabochons and purple statement pieces.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.