Sugilite (rare)

Item Description

Sugilite is a relatively rare gem, and the purple variety (Manganese rich) is only found in South Africa. In fact, before 1975 Sugilite was not known in very attractive colors, i.e., brown and yellow. Once the royal purple color material was discovered in South Africa, it really opened up the market for gemstone collectors. Nowadays, Sugilite is not seen on the open market very much, and it's a shame because the color is amazingly distinctive and intense. The particular stone is a very rich purple color, "coffin" or "kite" cut stone from this well known occurrence. Most rare gems are not exceptionally colorful, and this is a great stone to fill a spot in your collection. It is important to note that Sugilite was named after the Japanese petrologist, Ken-ichi Sugi and is pronounced with a hard "g" like in the word gold.