Hackmanite is the name given to natural Sodalite which it displays tenebrescence.  Tenebrescence, also called 'reversible photochromism', is the darkening of a mineral's color resulting from exposure to specific wavelengths of light and the fading of this color under other wavelengths.  Self-adjusting sunglass lenses are made using a synthetic tenebrescent material.

Large pieces of rough Afghan Hackmanite clean enough to facet are uncommon.  Afghan Hackmanite is colorless to very light pink or violet in its natural, uncharged state.  Irradiating colorless Afghan Sodalite/Hackmanite results in a permanent vivid blue color.

Subjected to SW UV lighting, the color of untreated Afghan Hackmanite darkens over a period of 2-5 minutes.  Afghan Hackmanite will fade to its original lighter tone in a matter of seconds or minutes.  The process is repeatable indefinitely.

Sunlight has no effect on most Afghan Hackmanite.  This stone, however, is an exception.  Sunlight causes the color to gradually darken to deep purple in about 2 minutes.

Long Wave UV light causes no significant tenebrescence in most Afghan Hackmanite.  This stone, however, is an exception.  While the stone shows a vibrant yellowish-orange, tenebrescence will also occur, quickly darkening the purple color.

Rarely does Afghan Hackmanite phosphoresce.  This stone, however, will strongly glow deep blue for several seconds after exposure to SW UV light.  If 'charged' with SW and viewed in darkness, the initially strong glow slowly fades over 30 seconds.

In summary, the piece of rough which produced this stone was special.  It was clean and large, and displayed fluorescence, tenebrescence, and phosphorescence.  Our cutters did a great job at turning this phenomenal stone into collectible faceted gems. 

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Laboratory Reports from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences Laboratory are available.  Small certificates cost $20.00, and full certificates with photo cost $36.00.

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