1.6" Sugilite in Matrix - South Africa

This is a gorgeous 1.6" wide specimen containing purple sugilite in massive form on matrix, collected from the famous N'Chwaning Mine complex in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

Sugilite is a relatively rare mineral that often appears somewhere between pink and deep violet. Crystals commonly occur in a massive crystal habit, though other forms are noted to occur. While the type locality may be Japan, the majority of the material on the market is found in South Africa. Of that material, most sugilite specimens are smuggled out of the manganese mines by the miners themselves. Outside of those specimens, which also happen to be the highest quality, sugilite is found in Italy, Canada, and Japan, though in small quantities and relatively unattractive colors.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Sugilite
LOCATION
N'Chwaning Mine III, Kuruman, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape, South Africa
SIZE
1.6 x .45"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#284089