Gem Scapolite Crystal - Karur, India

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: VT9-1EM
Date: May 24th, 2026
Locality: Scapolite locality, Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India (See on Mindat)
Size: 23 x 23 x 89 mm
Weight: 76 g

Description:
This large, pale yellow, gem scapolite crystal is from the scapolite locality in the Karur District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is exceptional due to its size and internal clarity. The scapolite crystal has significant striations running parallel to the c-axis. Under UV, it shows a multi-colored, multi-wavelength fluorescent response as shown in the photographs below.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2022.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Scapolite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Violet
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
• Fluorescence under Shortwave (254nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Red