Facts: Sugilite gemstone is named for the Japanese geologist who discovered the first specimens in 1944, Ken-ichi Sugi. Sugilite is known under the trade names of Royal Azel, Lavulite, Royal Lavulite, Lavulite Cybeline, and Wesselite in the gem business. Sugilite is found in Japan, Canada, South Africa, and India. An important discovery of Sugilite deposits occured in 1975 in the Kalahari Desert of Northern South Africa. In 1979 gemologists discovered a large deposit of gem grade Sugilite 3,200 feet below the original site.

Properties: Sugilite is opaque with a waxy luster. It can be a pale grayish lavender to a deep dark purple color. Sugilite often contains black matrix, reddish brown, or yellow tinged patches. Sugilite falls is about a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, similar to Lapis Lazuli. Bright purple stones with little matrix or blotches are highly esteemed in the trade. Gem grade Sugilite is beautifully translucent, rare, and quite expensive. Sugilite from mines in South Africa is of good quality, opaque with black spots or veining. The black color is because there are inclusions of lithium and magnesium in the mines.

Folklore: It is said that Sugilite strengthens the heart, aids healing, reduces headaches and pain, dissipates anger, prejudice, and jealousy, lessens disappointment and shock, and reduces stress and emotional discomfort. This gemstone balances the mind, body, and spirit thus strengthening spirituality. It encourages peace of mind, a general feeling of well being, and spiritual love. The stone is useful for psychic channeling and strengthens psychic abilities. This gemstone possesses unique metaphysical vibrations owing to its atomic structure. Sugilite appears to be a protective amulet against anger and other negative energies. It is especially useful for spiritual and psychic protection of animals, pets, and children. Sugilite is sometimes known as “the healer’s stone” because of its ability to aid physical healing. Crystal healers associate this gemstone with the third eye, heart, and crown chakras.