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.
Scapolite has a specific gravity of 2.63 and a refractive index of 1.540–1.572, with a Mohs hardness of 6.0–6.5. It is uniaxial −.
Physical & Optical Properties
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
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Related Comparisons
Measurement Guides
Identifying a scapolite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try GemID Free →Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Scapolite is one of the 130 species in GemID’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
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