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Scapolite
Scapolite is tectosilicate (scapolite group), (Na,Ca)₄(Al,Si)₁₂O₂₄(Cl,CO₃,SO₄). In the hand, it rates 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and it runs white and gray. Square-sectioned woody-looking prisms that fool feldspar hunters, then betray themselves with strong yellow-orange UV fluorescence. Metamorphosed limestones and skarns: Ontario/Quebec (Canada), Tanzania and Madagascar (gem violet), Brazil.
The geology.
Scapolite carries the formula (Na,Ca)₄(Al,Si)₁₂O₂₄(Cl,CO₃,SO₄). It belongs to the tetragonal system. On paper it is tectosilicate (scapolite group).
It sits at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to pearly. Light behaviour is transparent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.5 to 2.8. The streak is white. It breaks with distinct prismatic cleavage; splintery look.
Square-sectioned woody-looking prisms that fool feldspar hunters, then betray themselves with strong yellow-orange UV fluorescence.
Expect to see it as square-profile prisms, fibrous-looking massive, faceted gems or cat's eye cabs.
The origins.
Metamorphosed limestones and skarns: Ontario/Quebec (Canada), Tanzania and Madagascar (gem violet), Brazil.
On value, the database notes: affordable; clean violet and cat's-eye gems are mid-range.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with purpose and breaking self-sabotage habits.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
Square-sectioned woody-looking prisms that fool feldspar hunters, then betray themselves with strong yellow-orange UV fluorescence.
Sold as 'cinnabrite' with cinnabar-adjacent claims, no mercury involved; violet gems also pass as amethyst (UV exposes them).
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Feldspar | Scapolite's cleavage gives a splintery wood-grain look and it usually glows under UV; feldspar rarely does |
| Quartz | Quartz lacks cleavage entirely |
| 'Cinnabrite' (sales name) | Pink-white 'cinnabrite' is scapolite-epidote rock containing zero cinnabar |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about scapolite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Under UV | Yellow-orange UV fluorescence (common) |
| By eye | Square cross-section with splintery cleavage |
| Scratch check | Knife barely scratches it |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with distinct prismatic cleavage; splintery look, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (Na,Ca)₄(Al,Si)₁₂O₂₄(Cl,CO₃,SO₄). Crystal system: Tetragonal. Specific gravity: 2.5 to 2.8. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Distinct prismatic cleavage; splintery look.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphosed limestones and skarns: Ontario/Quebec (Canada), Tanzania and Madagascar (gem violet), Brazil.
What it gets confused with
Feldspar: Scapolite's cleavage gives a splintery wood-grain look and it usually glows under UV; feldspar rarely does. Quartz: Quartz lacks cleavage entirely. 'Cinnabrite' (sales name): Pink-white 'cinnabrite' is scapolite-epidote rock containing zero cinnabar.
What it is worth
Affordable; clean violet and cat's-eye gems are mid-range.
Where buyers get caught
Sold as 'cinnabrite' with cinnabar-adjacent claims, no mercury involved; violet gems also pass as amethyst (UV exposes them).
One more thing
Some Ontario scapolite glows so strongly it was mined for early glow-in-the-dark novelty displays.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry scapolite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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