Scapolite

Also: wernerite.
An isomorphous series between the endmembers marialite and meionite.

Scapolite shop

Name: from Greek skapos = rod and lithos = stone
Scapolite crystals are long and slender "rod-like" prisms

Can be confused with: due to similar colour and optical data scapolite is easy to confuse with quartz.

Localities: Tanzania, Madagascar, Burma, China, Brazil, Canada, USA
numerous other localities of little commercial value.

Handling: scapolite is sensitive to heat and acid – handle whith care during soldering. No Ultrasound!
Perfect cleavage – handle very carefully during setting.

Interesting facts: By far the most common colour is yellow. Purple scapolite and pink scapolite cat´s eye are much rarer and sought after by collectors.

Skapolith aus TansaniaSkapolith aus Tansania

violetter skapolith purple scapoliteSkapolith Scapolite

Two yellow and two rare purple scapolites from Tanzania

Skapolith Katzenauge aus Sri LankaSkapolith Katzenauge aus Sri Lanka
Two grey scapolite cat´s eyes from Sri Lanka

Scapolite shop

Gemmological Properties of Scapolite

Formula:
3NaAlSi3O8·NaCl - 3CaAl2Si2O8·CaCO3
Crystal system:
tetragonal
Mohs hardness:
5.5-6
Specific gravity:
2.56-2.77
Refractive index:
doubly refractive, R.I. may vary from 1.522-1-534 to 1,571-1,607
Max. Birefringence:
varies from 0,004 to 0,020
Pleochroism:
none
Luminiscence:
yellow: purple-bluish red, pink: orange-red
Lustre:
vitreous
Cleavage:
perfect, prismatic
Fracture:
conchoidal
Colour:
yellow (most common), purple, pink, colourless