Ultimate Gel Sugilite From Wessel’s Mine, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape, South Africa Tool [9rRnEb43]

This is a thumbnail Gel Sugilite from Wessel’s Mine in the Kalahari Manganese Fields of the Northern Cape, South Africa. 

Dimensions:
3 cm (1.19”) x 2.6 cm (1.03”)

Weight:
8 grams

Sugilite is a relatively rare pink to purple cyclosilicate mineral with the complex chemical formula KNa₂(Fe, Mn, Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀.

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.