A pendant carved from Sugilite in the form of a graceful Quan Yin. This mini treasure is of the finest color (deep Concord Grape Juice saturation) – a true unctuous purple. This piece is of Chinese Master Carver caliber and perfectly conveys the spirit of Quan Yin, the embodiment of compassion, mercy and kindness. Both front and reverse are different but in keeping with the theme. The design wraps entirely around the carving. Sugilite Is a rare purple mineral that was first discovered in 1944. This material was very rare and it was not used commercially until 1979 when it was re-discovered in the Southern Kalahari Desert of South Africa. In 1980 Sugilite was classified as a rare gem, which, according to supply and demand economics, resulted in a price increase. And into the next century, today prices are commensurate with the extreme rarity. Sugilite gets its attractive purple color from traces of Manganese. It can range inn color from pinkish purple to deep bluish-purple. The most highly valued Sugilite gemstones are a uniform intense purple. A great deal of Sugilite has patches, veins or layers. This carving is the rarer intense purple variety and priced accordingly. Circa: 1970's Measurement: 2-3/8 x1-3/8 inches. Weight: 13 grams Source: South Africa Carving: Chinese