Genuine sugilite is a rare mineral, and is often found in association with other minerals such as bustamite, richterite and hematite. The sugilite found in South Africa was discovered in a mine cave-in, where the veins are rich with manganese. Manganese gives sugilite its purple to magenta pink color. The uniformly intense purple of the natural gel form of sugilite is so uncommon that its cost is astronomical. The beads cut for this rosary have other associated minerals: hematite lends its dark metallic luster, bustamite the reddish hues, and richterite the powdery blue streak.

This piece is double ring capped and wired in Sterling silver, with cast reproduction Sterling silver crucifix and centerpiece. The chain segments have an extra link each, which gives this rosary a very supple drape. Beautiful!