On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral group / supergroup · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Scapolite
A gem material name listed in GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A.1. Scapolite can cover several mineral species, so the exact species must be determined by testing. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Scapolite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify ScapoliteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Treatments and enhancements of Scapolite1 registered treatments: status, stability, how common they are and identification leads
- Caring for and wearing ScapoliteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of ScapoliteEach value with its source and check date
- Scapolite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of ScapoliteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing ScapoliteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define ScapoliteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Scapolite is not one mineral species but a solid-solution series that varies continuously within the scapolite group, its two end members being chlorine-rich, sodic marialite and carbonate-rich, calcic meionite. It forms most typically in regionally metamorphosed rocks—notably marbles, calcareous gneisses, granulites and greenschists—and also appears in skarns, certain pegmatites, mafic igneous rocks altered pneumatolytically or hydrothermally, and ejected volcanic blocks. Most natural scapolite has an intermediate composition between the end members, so a sample's precise composition and identity require chemical analysis for confirmation.
Scope: Covers the origin and identity of scapolite as a mineral group/solid-solution series (marialite–meionite); does not apply to treating scapolite as an independent mineral species with a single fixed chemical formula.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
Rocks affected by regional metamorphism, notably marbles, calcareous gneisses, granulites and greenschists
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Skarns, some pegmatites, pneumatolytically or hydrothermally altered mafic igneous rocks, and ejected volcanic blocks
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
Calcium- or sodium-bearing protoliths supply Ca, Na, Al and Si together with volatile components such as Cl and CO2 during metamorphism.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Under suitable pressure-temperature and volatile conditions, scapolite crystallizes as a solid solution whose Na/Ca and Cl/CO2 ratios vary continuously with the environment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Crystals grow as prismatic, granular or massive aggregates, the prisms commonly bearing flat pyramidal terminations.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Later fluids or irradiation may alter scapolite's color; irradiation, for example, can produce a purple to violet hue.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Link to appearance
Scapolite's color and appearance vary with composition: colorless, white or grey, but also pink, violet, blue, yellow, orange-brown to brown, generally with a vitreous to pearly or resinous luster and colorless in thin section.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Timescale
The sources do not state an absolute geological timescale for scapolite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Related base materials
- Marialite: 3NaAlSi3O8·NaCl
- Meionite: 3CaAl2Si2O8·CaCO3
Supporting findings
Scapolite is found most typically in regionally metamorphosed rocks—marbles, calcareous gneisses, granulites and greenschists in particular—and also in skarns, pegmatites, altered mafic rocks, and ejected volcanic blocks.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes the occurrence environment of the scapolite group; not the sole origin of any one end member or locality.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Common associated minerals of scapolite include plagioclase, garnet, pyroxenes, amphiboles, apatite, titanite and zircon.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes common scapolite associations; not every locality contains all of these minerals.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Dodoma, TanzaniaGem locality of the 1990s
Sources Gems & Gemology Winter 2000
Asia
- Mogok area, MyanmarGem locality of the 1990s
Sources Gems & Gemology Winter 2000
- Sri LankaGem locality of the 1990s; table lists Hambantota, Kalutara, Matara and others
Sources Gems & Gemology Winter 2000
- Kurkurt and Rangkul, Pamir Mountains, TajikistanGem locality of the 1990s
Sources Gems & Gemology Winter 2000
- Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, ChinaGem locality of the 1990s
Sources Gems & Gemology Winter 2000
Europe
- Pianura, Naples, ItalyType locality of the marialite end-member, not a gem-scapolite source
Sources Mindat: Marialite
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Where the name comes from
Scapolite is a solid-solution series whose end members are the parent minerals marialite (the Na-rich end member) and meionite (the Ca-rich end member); this etymology belongs to those end-member names — meionite, whose Greek name means "less", alluding to the less pointed pyramid it shows beside vesuvianite, and marialite, which honours Maria Rosa vom Rath, wife of the German mineralogist Gerhard vom Rath, who named the species. These etymologies belong to the parent end-member mineral names, not to the group name "scapolite" itself.
Evidence grade BScope: This states only the origin of the name and does not establish the material's composition, locality, natural origin, or whether it was treated. The etymology belongs to the parent mineral name and is not the origin of the trade or variety name itself.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
The scapolite group is a continuously varying solid-solution series between the marialite and meionite end members, with intermediate members having P4(2)/n symmetry.
Evidence grade BScope: Applies to the solid-solution nature of the scapolite group; not to treating scapolite as a single fixed-composition species.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Most naturally occurring scapolite is of intermediate composition in the series, so the name 'scapolite' covers a range of continuously varying compositions and any single sample must be chemically identified.
Evidence grade BScope: Applies to 'scapolite' as a group/series name; not to inferring a definite formula for any one sample.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
The CIBJO Blue Book lists irradiation among the treatments commonly applied to scapolite, which can render it purple; the treatment is classified as unstable.
Evidence grade AScope: Describes irradiation treatment of scapolite as listed by CIBJO; not laboratory synthesis of the crystal.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- Scapolite is a solid-solution series rather than a single species; this record gives no fixed formula for any one sample.
- The sources state no absolute geological timescale for scapolite formation.
- The HoM end-member analyses correspond to specific localities (Vesuvius, Italy; Kenya) and do not represent the whole series.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Scapolite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Scapolite” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.209 “Scapolite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments recorded for this material: Irradiated
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
"Scapolite" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Industry-wide term that does not denote a single species.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.1, row 方柱石 (Scapolite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Scapolite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- This entry's exact material identity is not fully settled.
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Trade-name ruling
- Industry-wide term that does not denote a single species.
- Suggested listing name
- Scapolite
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Scapolite — care (light): may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code f
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Scapolite, p.74; §6.2 f (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
On light care for Scapolite, the CIBJO Official Gemstone Book (2022) states that treated stones, specifically irradiated Scapolite, may fade or revert to their original colour in strong light, so do not wear or leave them in strong light for long periods. This care conclusion applies only to irradiated stones.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Light and display | may fade or revert to its original colour in strong light; do not wear or leave it in strong light for extended periods |
Durability and wearing
Toughness
Brittle
Fracture
Uneven to conchoidal
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Treatments and identification leads
Registered treatmentsThe registered treatment for Scapolite is irradiation; irradiation has the status treated, stability unstable and prevalence unknown. Identification cluesThe identification lead for irradiation: colourless or yellow Scapolite turns violet or purplish red after irradiation, fades on exposure to light and is hard to detect; the source is the irradiation entry of GB/T 16553—2017.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Treatment | Market frequency (CIBJO) | Stability (CIBJO) | GB/T 16552 category | JJA/AGL listing | Identification leads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| irradiationStatus: treated | how often this treatment occurs | unstable | Treatment | — | See identification leads |
Where each treatment acts (schematics): Irradiated
“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · GB/T 16553—2017; GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1
Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):
- GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
- CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15
What this table covers
What this page can give
- Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
- Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Chinese standard nameThe Chinese formal name of Scapolite is based on GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1. Japanese namesThe GSJ (Japan) formal name is written in kanji, and the mineralogical name is Scapolite-group gem material. Names in four languagesThe four-language names are the Simplified and Traditional Chinese names, English Scapolite and the Japanese names. Institution usageFor authority wording, CIBJO records Scapolite (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024); the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the English name of Scapolite, which does not represent their position. Trade and mineralogical namesScapolite is a trade name, not a mineral species name; check before listing: Scapolite is a general trade term and does not refer to a single species. Recommended listing nameThe suggested listing name is Scapolite.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 柱石
- Chinese formal name
- 方柱石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Scapolite-group gem material
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 方柱石
- 繁體中文
- 方柱石
- English
- Scapolite
- 日本語
- スキャポライト／柱石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral group / supergroup
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments listed by standards
In GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1, the Scapolite row lists irradiation, with the effect of changing colour and the category treatment. What Table B.1 is and how each grade is defined are explained on the Gem treatments page.
GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1
Table B.1, row “Scapolite” (p.15):
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Method | Effect | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Irradiation | Changes colour | Treatment |
What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.
What it is and how it's identified
The composition of Scapolite is Na4Al3Si9O24Cl-Ca4Al6Si6O24(CO3,SO4); structure crystalline, tetragonal, with prismatic crystals whose faces often show longitudinal striations. Mohs hardness 6–6.5, with one direction of moderate cleavage and one of imperfect cleavage; a note explains that hardness alone is not enough to judge durability. For irradiated Scapolite, the stability of the irradiation is "not stable", and the stability of the irradiation is not the same as the durability of Scapolite itself. Density 2.6–2.74 g/cm³. Optical character anisotropic, uniaxial, negative; refractive index 1.536–1.579, where the clause value before derivation is 1.550–1.564 with a permitted tolerance of +0.015/−0.014, from which the registered range is derived; birefringence 0.004–0.037; transparency transparent to translucent. Pleochroism, with treatment status untreated, is moderate to strong in pink, purplish red and violet stones, blue and bluish purplish red, and weak to moderate in yellow stones, in different shades of yellow; lustre, with treatment status untreated, is vitreous; the cat's-eye effect can occur. The UV-visible spectrum of pink Scapolite shows absorption peaks at 663 nm and 652 nm; there are infrared absorption bands characteristic of scapolite in the mid-infrared region.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Scapolite — composition (chemistry): Na4Al3Si9O24Cl-Ca4Al6Si6O24 (CO3,SO4)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Structure
Scapolite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — structure (crystal system): tetragonal
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — structure (crystal habit): prismatic; faces usually striated lengthwise
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Scapolite — Mohs hardness: 6–6.5
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — cleavage: one direction of moderate cleavage and one of imperfect cleavage
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
For Scapolite, the stability of irradiation is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- irradiation
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Scapolite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Physical properties
Scapolite — density: 2.6–2.74 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Scapolite — optic character: uniaxial, optically negative (anisotropic)
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — refractive index: 1.536–1.579
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.550–1.564, with a stated tolerance of +0.015 / -0.014. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — birefringence: 0.004–0.037
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — transparency: transparent to translucent.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Scapolite — pleochroism: In pink-red, purple-red and purple material it is moderate to strong, showing blue and blue-purple-red; in yellow material it is weak to moderate, showing varying shades of yellow.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-22)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Scapolite — fluorescence (overall): none to strong, pink-red, orange, yellow
GB/T 16553—2017
UV fluorescencepink-redorangeyellownone–strongDots are illustrative colours built from the colour names, not measured values
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — spectrum (UV-visible): pink-red: 663 nm absorption peak; 652 nm absorption peak.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — spectrum (infrared): Mid-IR absorption follows the pattern typical of scapolite
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — magnification: parallel tube inclusions, needle inclusions, mineral inclusions, gas-liquid inclusions, growth striations, negative crystals.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Scapolite — body colour: colorless, pink-red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, purple-red, etc.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Spinel, Cultured Pearl, Zircon and other variety clauses also name colourless.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Scapolite — body colour: Colourless, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, purple.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Fluorite, Apatite, Topaz and other entries also name colourless.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Both list colourless, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. GB/T 16553—2017 also lists purplish red; the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book lists violet and purple separately.
- CIBJO definitions
- chatoyancy
Quality factors
Scapolite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.558 / 2.67; Closest values: 1Bamboo Coral 1.57 / 2.65, 2Synthetic Beryl 1.57 / 2.69, 3Iolite 1.563 / 2.61, 4Labradorite 1.54 / 2.65, 5Alashan Yu 1.54 / 2.62
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The identification lead for irradiation in Scapolite is that colourless or yellow scapolite turns violet or purplish red when irradiated; the stability of irradiation is unstable, the colour fades in light, and it is hard to detect. This lead applies only to scapolite that has been irradiated or dyed, and is cited from GB/T 16553—2017, which serves only as a reference for scapolite and does not govern it directly. Among scapolite in circulation, the prevalence of irradiation is unknown. There is no synthetic scapolite on the market. A note on testing methods in CIBJO's laboratory rules states that the special optical effect of scapolite is the cat's-eye effect.
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.72.
How far testing can go
Scapolite that has undergone irradiation can be identified by the following features: Irradiation turns colourless or yellow scapolite purple or purple-red; the colour is not stable, fades on exposure to light, and the treatment is not easy to detect.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- irradiated or dyed
- Does this standard apply
- can be followed as a reference only
- Treatment
- irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.18 (irradiation) (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Scapolite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Scapolite in trade, the reported frequency of irradiation is “unknown”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-29
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-29
Scapolite — notes on test methods in the CIBJO laboratory protocol:
| Test method | What the protocol notes for it |
|---|---|
| Phenomena: | Cat’s-eye |
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Scapolite is defined directly in CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the term Scapolite; the definition gives the mineral group scapolite and the mineral species marialite and meionite, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page. The cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scapolite | 7.2.1.209 | Scapolite has a chemical composition that varies between marialite and meionite. Colourless, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, purple, transparent to translucent. May show chatoyancy | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Treatments recorded for this material | Irradiated | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Scapolite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.