Sugilite is a rare cyclosilicate in vivid purple, from bright grape to deep royal violet, coloured by manganese. It was first identified in Japan in 1944 by petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi, whose name it carries, but the discovery that made it famous came in the late 1970s: rich purple gem material from the Wessels mine in South Africa's Kalahari manganese field, still the world's key source. In the 1980s it became a jewellery sensation, sometimes marketed under trade names like Royal Lavulite.
Sugilite sits at 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and, in its massive form, holds together well, so it suits pendants, earrings and carefully worn rings. It is cut as cabochons and beads, with the most even, saturated purple commanding real money. Because good material is scarce and pricey, dyed imitations and lookalikes are common; genuine sugilite usually shows subtle patches and swirls rather than perfectly flat colour. Ours is always the real thing. Clean it gently with warm, soapy water.
The purple charoite is its closest rival, but with silvery swirl patterns.
