Scapolite
Last updated: April 2026
Yellow and violet scapolite appear in estate jewelry and at gem shows, sometimes confused with golden beryl or amethyst. The strong orange LW and SW fluorescence is diagnostically useful — very few gem species share this response. Cat's eye scapolite (chatoyant variety) is a known collector item.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.540–1.572
SG Range2.50–2.74
SG Typical2.63
Hardness (Mohs)6–6.5
Crystal SystemTetragonal
Optic CharacterDR Uniaxial (−)
Birefringence0.020
Dispersion0.017
Fluorescence LWStrong orange
Fluorescence SWVariable
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismStrong Dichroic
ColorsColorless, Yellow Orange, Purple, Blue Violet
SpeciesScapolite (series)
Key Differentiators
- Strong orange LW and SW fluorescence — diagnostically useful, shared by few other gems
- Uniaxial negative optic sign
- RI 1.540–1.572 — distinct from topaz (1.619–1.627) and golden beryl (1.577–1.583)
- SG 2.50–2.74 — much lower than topaz (3.49–3.57)
Treatments
- Irradiation (brownish-purple — fades rapidly)
- Heat Treatment (color improvement)
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$10
Natural — high ($/ct)$200
NotePer carat; collector gem with limited commercial demand
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a scapolite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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