Sugilite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameSugilite
Chemical FormulaKNa₂(Fe,Mn,Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageindistinct/poor
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.77
Colorspurple, pink, magenta
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsbraunite, kutnohorite, pectolite, rhodochrosite
Rarityrare
Description
This specimen is a vibrant, massive purple sugilite, displaying a granular texture with some lighter greyish areas, characteristic of its natural occurrence.
Geological Context
Sugilite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral that forms in manganese-rich metamorphic rocks, typically found in stratiform manganese deposits like those in the Kalahari Manganese Field.
