Crystal Encyclopedia

Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Sugilite

The Purple Love Stone of Purpose

Also known as: Lavulite

About the stone

Sugilite crystal
Photo: RDCnet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

First described in 1944 by Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi, Sugilite is a rare pink to purple cyclosilicate mineral with a complex formula.

Mineral data

  • Chemical composition: Sugilite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral of potassium, sodium, lithium and manganese-bearing silicate with a complex formula, approximately KNa2(Fe,Mn,Al)2Li3Si12O30.
  • Hardness: 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • Color: Pink to deep purple, from lavender to rich violet.
  • Specific gravity: 2.76-2.80
  • Refractive index: 1.607-1.611

Metaphysical data

Sugilite, a rare purple mineral known as one of the major love stones, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to open the crown chakra, bring spiritual love and help sensitive people feel at home on Earth.

Protective and Comforting Energy

  • Sugilite is said to protect the soul from shocks, trauma and disappointments, and to relieve spiritual tension while increasing forgiveness.
  • It is useful for groups, as it reduces hostility, and for sensitive people and light workers who need help adjusting to life on Earth.

Emotional Healing

  • Sugilite is regarded as one of the major 'love stones,' representing spiritual love and wisdom that eases lonely, misunderstood feelings.
  • It is said to be beneficial for misfits of any kind and for those who feel Earth is not their home, offering a sense of belonging.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

  • Sugilite is associated with the crown chakra, and it opens all the chakras to the flow of spiritual love, bringing them into alignment.
  • By aligning the energy centers, it is thought to help a person feel whole, connected and supported from within.

Zodiac Associations

  • Sugilite is traditionally associated with Pisces and Virgo, signs that blend dreamy intuition with careful service and care for others.
  • It vibrates to the number 3, linked with creativity, joy and self-expression, matching its inspiring, uplifting purple glow.

Spiritual Growth

  • Sugilite inspires spiritual awareness, promotes channeling, and reminds the soul of its reason for incarnating, a deep theme for many seekers.
  • It is said to help find answers to the great questions of 'Why am I here?', 'Where did I come from?' and 'Who am I?' and to accompany spiritual quests of all kinds.

Physical Healing

  • Crystals are a traditional wellness practice and not a substitute for professional medical advice; no stone can treat cancer, epilepsy, autism, paranoia or schizophrenia, and each needs qualified care.
  • In crystal tradition Sugilite is described as helping with headaches, learning differences and nervous system balance, but these are beliefs and not medical claims.

Care and handling

Sugilite is a fairly hard but brittle stone, about 6 to 6.5, that can chip if knocked. Clean it with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then dry it. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, acids and sudden temperature changes. Its rich purple can fade with long exposure to bright sunlight, so keep it out of the sun. It also contains manganese, so wash your hands after handling raw pieces and do not grind it.

Individual experiences with Sugilite vary, and its qualities are traditional beliefs rather than proven facts. Use it mindfully as a loving companion on a spiritual path, and always rely on qualified professionals for physical and mental health care.