#lavulite

Lavulite anon again: abilities as well? ;v;

Sugilite

Also known as Lavulite, this complex and uncommon mineral with a tongue twisting and mind bending formula (KNa2 (FeMnAl)2 Li3Si12O30) occurs in hues ranging from pink to purple. Crystals are rare, and the usual form is an opaque to translucent crust or vein filling. It was first described in 1944 by a Japanese mineralogist. It has been misnamed in the trade as purple turquoise, though there is no connection.

It forms in syenite, an intrusive volcanic rock like granite, but containing different minerals. Specimens often have veins of dark matrix running through them and splotches of other colours like yellow or red. The first find of gemmy interest was made in the Kalahari Desert in the late 1970's. Current sources Mont St Hilaire, Canada, Wessels mine in South Africa, Italy, Australia and India

With a Mohs hardness of 6 it has been cut en cabochon for jewellery, though it is mostly a collector's stone. Value depends as ever on depth of colour (known as saturation). Since large chunks are available it is also popular amongst carvers. This pretty specimen comes from South Africa, and sits on a bed of barite crystals. It measures 2.4 x 2.1 x 1.2 cm.

Loz

Image credit: Rob Lavinsky/iRocks.com