Search
Scapolite
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Scapolite | NMNH G10553 | Myanmar [Burma] | 12.81 ct |
Scapolite comes from the Greek word skapos, meaing rod, and lithos, meaning stone. It is commonly found in stubby to long prismatic crystals. Scapolite is not a well known gemstone, but can be very attractive. Scapolite gems can be white, gray, yellow, light brown to orange, pink or purple. The less transparent material is often cut en cabochon and will commonly exhibit a cat's-eye effect, as seen here. The effect refers to the sharp ray of white light crossing the cabochon as a center line along its length. Microscopic tube-like cavities or needle-like inclusions form in a parallel orientation so when cut en cabochon the resulting "line" or cat’s eye is present. If the cat's eye is not distinct, the scapolite gem sometimes will display an adularescence, or soft white glow, similar to moonstone. This gem is from Burma, but scapolite is also found in Brazil, Madagascar, Switzerland, and Tanzania.