Sugilite

Hardness (Mohs): 5.5 - 6.5
Color: Pinkish Purple to Deep Purple
Transparency: Translucent to Opaque
Notable Occurrences: South Africa and Japan

Sugilite, discovered in Japan in 1944 by its namesake, Professor Kenichi Sugi, is prized for its deep purple color. Although discovered in 1944 in Japan, it really was not until deposits were located in South Africa in the later half of the 20th century that it was truly made available to the market as a gemstone. Most of the original South African deposit has been used and new deposits are proving small, so it is becoming increasingly rare. It is usually opaque, but occassionally found in translucent gel form (known as "Gel Sugilite), displaying the color of grape jelly, and is the most highly prized. The rich color is from the presence of manganese. Rarer is the presence of Richterite in some deposits of Sugilite, which can display a deep blue color.

Folklore/Metaphysical Properties: Referred to often as a stone for the "New Age", meant to usher us into the new age; helps one to attain conscious awareness and spirituality, helping to clear the mind; protects against and dissipates strong emotions such as hate anger, envy and fear; enables the flow of energy to the crown chakra, helping one connect with source; lessens effects of shock and disappointment.