Raw sugilite is one of the rarest and most sought-after stones in the mineral world. In its natural form, this intense royal purple, sometimes crimson, sometimes magenta, has a depth of colour that immediately fascinates. Sugilite often occurs in compact masses or nodules within the host rock, and it is by opening these that the purple is revealed in all its splendour. The most beautiful pieces show a purple so saturated that it seems almost unreal, a purple found in no other mineral. Discovered in Japan in 1944 by petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi, sugilite only revealed its gem potential in the 1980s with the discovery of the Wessels deposit in South Africa, the only commercial deposit in the world. Since then, its production has steadily decreased and each quality rough piece becomes a little more precious.
In lithotherapy, raw sugilite is considered the most powerful form of this stone of high spirituality. Its intact structure is believed to diffuse an energy of connection to higher planes, spiritual protection, and the discovery of life's mission more directly and intensely than the polished version. Placed in a meditation space, it immediately elevates the vibration of the room and facilitates access to expanded states of consciousness. In a bedroom, it supports nocturnal spiritual work and promotes lucid dreams. Held in the hand during meditation, it opens the crown chakra and the third eye chakra with a power that directly connects to higher dimensions of consciousness. It is also a powerful spiritual shield: tradition attributes to sugilite the ability to transmute negative energies into light rather than simply blocking them, an alchemy of protection rare among stones.
For maintenance, a rinse with clear water and recharging in moonlight are sufficient. With a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, handle it with minimal care and store it separately from harder stones.
