PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - cyclosilicates
- COMPOSITION KNa2(Fe,Mn,Al)2Li3Si12< /sub>O30·H2O
- COLOR Pink, brownish yellow or purple
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Hexagonal
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Massive
- HARDNESS 5.5 - 6.5
- FRACTURE Subconchoidal
- EXFOLIATION Bad
- GLOSS Vitreous
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY From translucent to opaque
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.7 - 2.8
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.60 - 1.61
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The sugilite, also known as luvulite, is a hydrated silicate of lithium, potassium and sodium, with inclusions of iron, manganese and aluminum. It is sometimes found together with other minerals such as apatite, zircon and albite. The sugilite appears in metamorphic deposits of manganese. Its formation is usually granular or massive, although sometimes it also occurs in the form of very small prismatic crystals.
The name of sugilite comes from one of its discoverers, the Japanese petrologist named Ken-ichi Sugi. It has been recorded since 1944, but it was not recognized as a mineral until 1976.
Deposits: Canada, Japan, South Africa, Russia, India and Italy.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The sugilite represents spiritual love and wisdom. It accompanies in spiritual searches and helps to find answers to the great questions of life. It is considered a healing stone on all levels (body, mind and spirit), thanks to its transmuting force. Sugilite encourages positive thinking and helps heal psychological and learning imbalances. On a healing level, it is said to relieve headaches and cleanse the blood of toxins.
