Scapolite is quite a rare gemstone because of the rarity of its transparency hardness and durability as a gem quality material. Some of the less transparent material exhibits chatoyancy the cat s eye effect when cut as cabochons. Scapolite is a distinctly fibrous gemstone and is often confused with amethyst citrine chrysoberyl or golden beryl. Scapolite often contains dense inclusions of parallel fibers and when polished produce an excellent cat s eye effect. Another gemstone form of scapolite is an opaque yellowish or gray opaque scapolite associated with diopside.
It s a lesser known gemstone but it s among the most sought after gemstones by mineral collectors. Scapolite is also referred to as wernerite named after its discoverer. Its brilliance and vitreous luster make it a desirable gemstone and collector s item. Scapolite has also been known as mizzonite dipyre marialite and meionite. When cut into cabochons these scapolite gemstones make fine cat s eyes.
Gemologically speaking the term scapolite refers to the gems that form in this series. Some scapolite has an internal silk that causes it to form a cat s eye or a chatoyance. Cat s eye stones are rather rare and desirable as they tend to have exceptionally sharp eyes. Gemstone quality scapolite usually exhibits excellent transparency. Scapolite is also called wernerite named after the german geologist a g.
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Other pseudonyms for scapolite are mizzonite dipyre marialite and meionite. Scapolite is also referred to as wernerite after its discoverer. Older sources may refer to this series as wernerite. The scapolite mineral group contains a solid state series from marialite to meionite with mizzonite as the intermediate member. The silk can be seen in the stone as linear bands of black inclusions that cross the stone from left to right.The silk can be seen in the stone as linear bands of black inclusions that cross the stone from left to right. Other pseudonyms for scapolite are mizzonite dipyre marialite and meionite. Gemologically speaking the term scapolite refers to the gems that form in this series. It s a lesser known gemstone but it s among the most sought after gemstones by mineral collectors. Scapolite is quite a rare gemstone because of the rarity of its transparency hardness and durability as a gem quality material.
