Sugilite
Real mineral · very rare · KNa₂(Fe,Mn,Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀
A rare potassium sodium lithium iron manganese aluminium silicate found in only a handful of locations worldwide. Its vivid purple colour is unusual among silicate minerals. First described in 1944 from specimens collected in Japan.
Identity
- Formula
- KNa₂(Fe,Mn,Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀
- Chemical class
- silicate
- Also known as
- Royal azel (trade name), Lavulite
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- hexagonal
- Habits
- massive, granular
- Fracture
- subconchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.74 g/cm³
- Luster
- waxy, vitreous
- Colors
- purple, violet, pink, magenta
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- opaque, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- igneous, metamorphic
- Host rocks
- aegirine syenite, manganese deposits
- Associated minerals
- Aegirine, Richterite, Pectolite
- Geography
- South Africa (Northern Cape), Japan, Canada, Australia
Classification
- Rarity
- very rare
- Gem quality
- Yes
Arcane properties
- Affinity
- arcane, mind
- Effects
- mind, warding
- Planar origin
- Material Plane
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