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Silicate

Scapolite

Yellow, orange, violet, colorless; some show cat's eye

Colorless Orange Yellow
Optical properties

Optical characteristics

Ref. index
1.54 – 1.579
Birefringence
0.02 – 0.037
Luster
Vitreous
Pleochroism
Strong Strong dichroism: pale yellow to near-colorless in the yellow variety; more pronounced in colored varieties.
Fluorescence
Typically strong yellow-orange fluorescence under LW UV — the fastest identifier.
Origins

Source localities

Myanmar Myanmar: Mogok Valley
Premium ★ Top Source

Classic source for ruby, sapphire, spinel and other collector gems; Myanmar produces fine violet and colorless scapolite.

25% est. supply
Tanzania Tanzania: Merelani Hills
Major

Sole source of tanzanite worldwide; also produces tsavorite, ruby, sapphire and rare collector gems including cat's eye scapolite.

25% est. supply
Madagascar Madagascar: Ilakaka / Andranondambo region
Major

Modern major source for sapphire, garnet, beryl, quartz, tourmaline and many collector gems.

20% est. supply
Mozambique Mozambique: Montepuez / Alto Ligonha / Cuamba
Significant

Major modern source for ruby, garnet, tourmaline and Paraíba-type tourmaline.

15% est. supply
Canada Canada: British Columbia / NWT / Labrador
Significant

Known for nephrite jade, diamonds and labradorite; also produces yellow scapolite.

15% est. supply
Inclusions

Inclusions & features

Crystals Crystal Inclusions Under 10x loupe: solid, well-formed mineral crystals trapped inside the host gem. They may… Zoning Color Zoning Under 10x loupe in immersion: bands or patches of deeper or lighter color arranged… Fractures Fingerprint Inclusions Under 10x loupe: curved or wavy lines of tiny dots forming patterns that look… Needles Growth Tubes, Rain Inclusions Under 10x loupe: long thin hollow channels running parallel to each other and to…
Identification

Instruments used

Refractometer Measures refractive index, the backbone of gem identification 10x Loupe Your most-used instrument, start every examination here Polariscope Determines single vs. double refraction, quick and conclusive UV Lamp, Long Wave and Short Wave Fluorescence exposes treatments, synthetics, and origin Hydrostatic Scale Measures specific gravity, works even on opaque stones Dichroscope Reveals pleochroism, instantly eliminates singly-refractive stones