Sugilite, a rare and beautiful purplish-pink cyclosilicate mineral, is found in several specific locations around the world, most notably in South Africa.
Primary Locations for Sugilite Deposits
The most significant source of sugilite is located in South Africa, but it has also been reported in other countries across different continents. These occurrences are often associated with manganese deposits.
Here are the key locations where sugilite is found:
- South Africa: The Wessels mine in the Northern Cape Province is the most renowned and productive source. Here, sugilite is mined from a strata-bound manganese deposit.
- Italy: Reports indicate sugilite can be found in the regions of Liguria and Tuscany.
- Australia: Deposits have been identified in New South Wales.
- India: Sugilite has also been reported in Madhya Pradesh.
To summarize the known occurrences of this captivating mineral:
Country | Region/State | Associated Deposit Type |
---|---|---|
South Africa | Northern Cape Province | Strata-bound manganese deposit |
Italy | Liguria, Tuscany | (Not specified in reference) |
Australia | New South Wales | (Not specified in reference) |
India | Madhya Pradesh | (Not specified in reference) |
While the Wessels mine in South Africa remains the most significant commercial source, the discovery of sugilite in other parts of the world highlights its presence in diverse geological settings, often linked to manganese-rich environments.