Aluminosugilite is a rare member of the Sugilite group where aluminum replaces iron or manganese in the crystal structure. It typically appears as massive, translucent material and is highly sought after by collectors for its vibrant purple to pink hues. It is primarily found in the manganese-rich environments of the Kalahari Manganese Fields.
Is this aluminosugilite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aluminosugilite with a known reference. Aluminosugilite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aluminosugilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aluminosugilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, violet, reddish-purple.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Aluminosugilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Aluminosugilite and pearly on Charoite.
How to tell apart: Aluminosugilite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 2.5-3); luster reads vitreous on Aluminosugilite and pearly on Lepidolite.
Often found alongside aluminosugilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with aluminosugilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNa₂Li₃(Fe³⁺,Mn³⁺,Al)₂Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Lapidary
- Host rock
- Metasomatized Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 per specimen depending on color intensity and size
Where rockhounds find aluminosugilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wessels Mine, South Africa
- Kalahari Manganese Fields, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in metasomatized manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where aluminosugilite typically forms. If you start seeing pectolite, aegirine, bustamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aluminosugilite?+
Where is aluminosugilite found?+
How much is aluminosugilite worth?+
What rocks look like aluminosugilite?+
What minerals are found with aluminosugilite?+
What kind of rock does aluminosugilite form in?+
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Find aluminosugilite on the map
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