Sugilite

Sugilite has an extremely wide variety of applications. Uses include oxidation-reduction chemical processes, blast furnace production of foundry iron, production of phosphorus, non-stick paint, electrically conductive asphalt, etc. Sugilite is also used as a black paint pigment, polymer filler, and as a part of drinking water or sewage treatments. The potential for use in nanotechnologies is being explored.

Sugilite was first described in 1944 by the Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi (1901–1948) for an occurrence on Iwagi Islet, Japan, where it is found in an aegirine syenite intrusive stock. It is found in a similar environment at Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada. In the Wessels mine in Northern Cape Province of South Africa, sugilite is mined from a strata-bound manganese deposit. It is also reported from Liguria and Tuscany, Italy; New South Wales, Australia and Madhya Pradesh, India.

The mineral is commonly pronounced with a soft "g", as in "ginger". However, as with most minerals, its pronunciation is intended to be the same as the person it is named after; in this case, the Japanese name Sugi has a hard "g", as in "geese".

Sugilite is often referred to as the "premier love stone" because it is believed to strengthen the bond in a loving relationship. It can be used on the Crown chakra to connect the person with spiritual love and wisdom. It also works on the Third Eye chakra to enhance psychic abilities and may help in alleviating headaches.