Sugilite
Sugilite
Sugilite was first described in 1944 by the Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi (1901â1948) for an occurrence on Iwagi Islet, Japan, where it is found in an aegirine syenite intrusive stock.
Sugilite 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".
The mineral is also referred to as lavulite, luvulite, and royal azel by gem and mineral collectors.