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Scapolite is a group of rock-forming silicate minerals with a prismatic (rod-like) crystal shape. It is known for its vitreous luster, transparency to translucency, and various colors including yellow, violet, pink, and colorless. While it is not a well-known gemstone due to its moderate hardness (5.5–6.0 on the Mohs scale) and low dispersion, gem-quality specimens can be found in locations like Tanzania. It is also recognized for a rare cat's eye effect and can fluoresce under UV light. Properties Chemical composition: A solid solution series of aluminium, calcium, and sodium silicates, with chlorine, carbonate, or sulfate present. The two main endmembers are marialite (\(Na_{4}Al_{6}Si_{6}O_{24}Cl\)) and meionite (\(Ca_{4}Al_{6}Si_{6}O_{24}CO_{3}\)).Color: Ranges from colorless to yellow, orange, pink, violet, brown, and gray.Crystal system: Tetragonal.Hardness: 5.5 to 6.0 on the Mohs scale.Luster: Vitreous.Refractive index: 1.540 to 1.579.Specific gravity: 2.57 to 2.74.Cleavage: Good.Fluorescence: Can exhibit orange, pink, or yellow fluorescence under UV light. Occurrence Geological setting: Found in metamorphic rocks.Notable sources: Tanzania, Brazil, Kenya, Madagascar, Burma (Myanmar), and Canada are notable sources for gem-quality scapolite. Gemstone characteristics "Cat's eye" effect: A rare and valuable form with a distinct chatoyancy (cat's eye) is known.Size: Often found in large sizes, sometimes over 6 carats.Treatments: While typically untreated, some lavender stones may be heat-treated or irradiated.Trade names: Also known as wernerite, petschite (for purple varieties), and lavender cat's eye scapolite.