This is a slab of translucent sugilite from Wessel’s Mine in the Kalahari Manganese Fields of the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Sugilite is a relatively rare pink to purple cyclosilicate mineral with the complex chemical formula KNa₂(Fe, Mn, Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀.
1st & 2nd photos are wet
3rd & 4th photos are dry
See the last video to see the translucence of this material.
Dimensions:
8cm (3.2”) x 3.5cm (1.4”)
0.5cm (0.2”) thick
Weight:
24g
We we’re very lucky to get access to this old stock sugilite. They were off cuts from a gem cutter who was making cabochons to set in jewelry. Because of this there are odd shapes and areas that are translucent and some that are opaque. With the rise in value of this material these would be worth examination for recutting.
These pieces are not polished.
