The facts
What sogdianite actually is
Mineralogically, sogdianite is milarite group (sugilite relative) — K₂Na₂Li₃(Zr,Ti,Fe)₂Si₁₂O₃₀, crystallising in the hexagonal system.
The colour is caused by mn³⁺ gives the violet, the same chromophore as in sugilite. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.606–1.608, and the specific gravity sits near 2.77–2.90; cleavage is none.
Where sogdianite comes from
The recognised sources are Dara-i-Pioz, Rasht District, Tajikistan and Wessels Mine, Northern Cape, South Africa.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How sogdianite is treated
Untreated. The zirconium analogue of sugilite and visually indistinguishable from it — some material sold as sugilite is actually sogdianite, and only analysis separates them.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What sogdianite is confused with
The usual confusions are Sugilite, Charoite and Lepidolite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.606–1.608 and specific gravity 2.77–2.90 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What sogdianite is used for
Sogdianite is bought by mineral collecting and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Hardness 7; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What sogdianite costs
Indicative pricing for sogdianite is Cabochons 30–200 USD.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is sogdianite treated, and how?
Untreated. The zirconium analogue of sugilite and visually indistinguishable from it — some material sold as sugilite is actually sogdianite, and only analysis separates them.
Where does sogdianite come from?
Dara-i-Pioz, Rasht District, Tajikistan and Wessels Mine, Northern Cape, South Africa. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is sogdianite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does sogdianite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 30–200 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is sogdianite confused with?
Most often Sugilite, Charoite and Lepidolite. A refractive index of 1.606–1.608 and a specific gravity near 2.77–2.90 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for sogdianite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about sogdianite