Scapolite and its uses
Scapolite is a rare gemstone that got its name from the word skapos, which means stem or branch, and the reason is the columnar shape of the crystals of this stone
The most common color of scapolite is honey yellow, but it can also be purple, orange, pink, brown, gray or colorless
Its glassy luster has made it a popular gemstone. Scapolite is also called Wernrite, which is derived from the name of its discoverer
Other types of scapolite include maisonite, dipire, marialite, and mionite. Scapolite is a very rare gem and is sought after by many collectors
Due to the rarity of its jeweled specimen, the fame of this stone is not high
Also, it does not have enough hardness and resistance to be used in jewelry, so it is placed in the category of collectors’ stones
?What is the method of identifying scapolite
Scapolite is usually confused with golden topaz, golden beryl, yellow beryl and tourmaline, but these gemstones are harder than scapolite
It can be easily identified by testing its resistance and hardness
Cat’s eye scapolite is very distinctive and can be distinguished from other gemstones with the naked eye
Scapolite is closely related to diopside and chrysolite, which are called olivine or peridot
The detection of these materials requires advanced experimental materials such as night vision test, composition, density, refractive index and crystal shape
?What types of scapolite are found
In some very rare cases, scapolite exhibits cat’s eye effects or variable luster
Cat’s eye scapolite is very rare and valuable
Another type of valuable scapolite is known as rainbow scapolite, which contains rainbow stones
Scapolite was first discovered in northern Burma in 1913 with white, pink and purple crystals
In 1920, yellow scapolite was found in Madagascar and ten years later in Brazil
These discoveries continued in Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania
A purple variety of scapolite was mined from Tanzania in 1975, called petschite
Scapolite preparation method
Scapolite cannot be prepared in any way, but colored gemstones are usually made brighter by heating. Sparkling scapolite is initially a yellow gemstone that turns purple when heated, although natural purple scapolites also exist. Heated scapolite stones appear opaque if exposed to heat and light, but natural samples are not opaque
Color range in scapolite
Usually, scapolite is the main yellow color, but it can also be seen in other colors such as orange, purple, pink, brown, gray and colorless
Cat’s eye scapolite is green, brown and gray in color
Light purple scapolite is considered the most valuable type
Scapolite stones with bright colors are the most popular
The transparency and brilliance of scapolite
Scapolite ranges from clear to translucent and is usually seen with good clarity. Impurities are very common in larger specimens. All scapolite gemstones have a glassy luster when cut and polished. Some scapolites are translucent. They have impurities as a result of the effect of the cat’s eye. These examples are rare and very valuable because the cat’s eye is well visible in them. There is also such a night vision in gemstones. Rainbow scapolite is the name given to scapolite containing Iridescent impurities are referred to. This sample displays prismatic colors. Rainbow scapolite may be colorless or transparent or dark and gray in color. Like cat’s eye scapolite, this effect is more visible under light
Types of scapolite stone cutting
Scapolite is cut in various shapes and styles such as oval, circle, oblong, rectangular, polygonal, pear. Its graded sizes are expensive. Scapolite is usually found in very large sizes. In fact, most stones Scapolite gems weigh more than 6 carats. Semi-transparent materials are cut into wedges to increase the effect of their shine
Gemological characteristics of scapolite
Chemical formula: Na4Al6Si6O24 (CO3SO4) sodium calcium aluminum silicate
Crystal form: columnar, tetrahedral
Color: yellow, orange, pink, purple, brown, gray, colorless
Hardness: 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale
Refractive index: 1.540 to 1.579
Density: 2.57 to 2.74
Cleavage: Good
Transparency: transparent, semi-transparent
Birefringence or birefringence: -0.006 to -0.037
Transparency: Glass
Night vision: pink, orange, pink, yellow: purple, blue-red
Types of scapolite sources
Scapolite is a very rare gem, but it is found in various regions of the world. Tanzaya produces the best ingredients
Other sources are Brazil, Burma, Canada, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, and the United States
A multi-colored specimen of scapolite has been found in Canada
Even though the material is opaque, the multi-colored sample makes a wonderful gem when cut into a courgette
Gemstones related to scapolite
Scapolite is not a related gemstone, but it is mineralogically related to green pyroxene
An opaque, yellow or gray variety of scapolite from Quebec, Canada is a good source and is commonly used by Canadian jewelry designers
Canadian materials are opaque and multi-colored. Their shine is very high and makes them easily recognizable
Scapolite is a product of plagio grade feldspar, so it has similarities with feldspar gemstones
Since scapolite is a variety of plagioclase, with other
Feldspars are related
Golden, yellow, and yellowish-green specimens of scapolite are actually sometimes considered a variety of chrysolite
According to its appearance, it has similarities with yellow beryl, golden beryl, sphene, peridot, tourmaline and even red quartz
Trade and mineral names of scapolite gemstone
Diopside, plagioclase feldspar, olivine, peridot, purple Tanzanian scapolite, cat’s eye scapolite, purple, rainbow and pink scapolite
Less well-known trade names and mineral relations
Less well-known trade names are cornerite, pink moonstone, purple cat’s-eye scapolite, purple cat’s-eye scapolite, pink cat’s-eye scapolite, maisonite, dipire, marialite, and mionite
A variety of design ideas for scapolite stone
Scapolite is very rare and many people have never heard of it
However, due to the attractiveness of its colors, especially its honey yellow color, it can be seen in some very special jewelry designs
Usually, such jewelry is made for people who have collections. Scapolite has a wonderful shine, so it makes a wonderful combination with precious metals, gold or white
Cleaning and maintenance of scapolite gemstone
The 5.5 to 6 scapolite resistance means that it must be handled with care to preserve its beauty
Because household dust contains quartz with a hardness of 7, this dust simply creates scratches on the jeweler
The best way to clean scapolite is to use soap and water and a soft cloth after cleaning carefully to remove the remaining soap
Do not expose scapolite to extreme temperature changes
As with most gemstones, ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not good options
Always remove jewelry before exercising or engaging in vigorous physical activity
Scapolite is easily scratched on contact with harder materials, so it should be stored away from other jewelry in a soft cloth inside a jewelry box
