Description: Among all chromatic expressions known within the scapolite group, natural purple scapolite remains one of the rarest and most elusive varieties ever encountered. Specimens displaying a genuine lavender to violet purple saturation are exceptionally scarce worldwide, with crystals from Andranondambo, Madagascar being regarded among the most desirable and mineralogically significant examples known to collectors. This specimen immediately distinguishes itself through the remarkable complexity of its crystallisation. Rather than presenting as a solitary prism, the crystal displays an extraordinary multi termination architecture, where several naturally developed terminations emerge progressively around the dominant central crystal head. This creates a highly sculptural and three dimensional formation that is far more visually sophisticated than standard single terminated scapolite crystals. The main crystal rises prominently from the structure with a sharply defined tetragonal prism and a well preserved natural termination positioned at the apex of the specimen. Surrounding this dominant termination, several secondary crystal points develop at slightly lower elevations, producing a stepped crystalline arrangement that gives the entire piece exceptional visual rhythm and mineralogical character. This clustered multi terminated growth pattern greatly enhances the specimen’s rarity and collector appeal, as such organised crystallisation is considerably less common than isolated single prism formations. Each secondary termination remains individually readable, contributing to a natural architectural complexity rarely preserved in specimens of this size. The colouration displays a delicate yet highly refined purple saturation, fluctuating between soft lavender, pale violet and faint lilac tonalities depending on the angle and intensity of illumination. Under direct light, the crystal becomes considerably more luminous, with the translucent prism faces acting as natural optical channels that amplify the internal glow of the specimen. The vertical prism faces remain clearly defined throughout the structure and display fine longitudinal growth striations characteristic of natural scapolite crystallisation. These reflective surfaces interact elegantly with light, generating bright vitreous flashes across the crystal body while simultaneously revealing subtle internal textures and inclusions. The transparency is particularly attractive for a multi crystal specimen. Light penetrates deeply through several portions of the structure, giving the crystal an almost ethereal appearance under strong illumination while preserving excellent readability of the terminations and prism geometry. Minor natural mineral traces and internal growth features remain visible throughout the specimen, reinforcing its authenticity and preserving the geological identity of the crystal in entirely natural condition. The combination of exceptionally rare purple colouration, strongly developed multi terminated architecture, elegant prismatic growth and refined translucency places this specimen among the more visually compelling purple scapolites from Madagascar. Specifications: • Weight: 0.45 g • Weight in carats: 2.25 ct • Dimensions: 13 × 6 × 6 mm • Origin: Andranondambo, Madagascar • Mineral species: Scapolite • Crystal system: Tetragonal • Crystal form: Natural multi terminated prismatic crystal • Colour: Lavender purple to soft violet • Colour distribution: Consistent translucent purple saturation with subtle tonal variation • Lustre: Vitreous • Transparency: Translucent • Surface features: Vertical growth striations and reflective prism faces • Internal structure: Natural inclusions and growth textures • Terminations: Multiple natural crystal terminations • Treatment: None • Condition: Natural, untreated and unpolished specimen Notable Points: • Exceptionally rare natural purple scapolite Purple remains the rarest chromatic variety within the scapolite species and is highly sought after by specialised collectors • Complex multi termination crystal architecture The specimen displays several naturally formed terminations arranged around a dominant central crystal point • Strongly sculptural three dimensional growth structure The stepped crystalline formation creates exceptional visual depth and architectural complexity • Well preserved dominant central termination The main crystal apex remains sharply defined and visually prominent within the structure • Multiple secondary terminations with excellent readability Several smaller crystal heads remain individually distinguishable throughout the specimen • Elegant translucent lavender purple colouration The crystal displays refined violet and lilac tonalities with soft internal luminosity • Strong optical interaction under direct illumination Light penetrates deeply through the crystal, enhancing both colour and structural definition • Distinct tetragonal prismatic habit Clearly developed vertical prism faces reinforce the mineralogical identity of the specimen • Fine longitudinal growth striations preserved on crystal faces Natural growth textures remain visible and contribute to the authenticity of the piece • Reflective vitreous lustre across multiple prism surfaces The crystal produces bright flashes as light interacts with its natural geometry • Dynamic visual behaviour depending on lighting conditions The specimen shifts between soft pastel elegance and vivid luminous intensity • Natural internal inclusions and mineral textures preserved Subtle internal features reinforce the geological integrity of the crystal • Excellent balance between transparency and structure The translucency enhances luminosity without compromising readability of the crystal form • Untouched natural crystallisation No polishing, cutting or artificial enhancement has altered the specimen • Highly collectible due to rarity of both colour and morphology The coexistence of rare purple colouration and multi terminated growth significantly increases collector interest Collector’s Interest: Purple scapolite from Madagascar occupies a highly specialised position within the mineral collecting world due to the extreme rarity of naturally saturated violet specimens. While most scapolites occur in yellow, honey or pale tonalities, purple material remains distinctly uncommon and appears only in limited geological environments. What elevates this particular specimen beyond typical examples is the sophistication of its crystallisation. The presence of multiple natural terminations surrounding a dominant central prism creates a far more dynamic and mineralogically expressive structure than conventional single crystal specimens. Its combination of elegant translucency, refined lavender purple saturation, preserved growth textures and complex multi terminated architecture gives the crystal a distinctly high end collector profile, especially for collectors focused on unusual colour occurrences and aesthetic crystallisation. Lapidary Potential: Although transparent scapolite may occasionally be faceted, the importance of this specimen lies entirely in its natural crystallisation and architectural morphology. Any cutting or reshaping would irreversibly destroy the delicate multi terminated structure, the natural prism geometry and the preserved crystal terminations that define the specimen’s rarity and visual identity. Its highest value is therefore achieved as a natural collector crystal, preserved intact exactly as it formed within its geological environment ——————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post and UPS. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time service: between 2 to 5 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. 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