Lazulite
| Colour | Blue |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5.5–6.0 |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent to nearly opaque |
| Cleavage | Poor to good on {110}, indistinct on {101} |
| Fracture | Uneven, splintery |
| Specific gravity | 3.122–3.240 |
What is Lazulite?
Lazulite or Azure spar is a transparent to semi-opaque, blue mineral that is a phosphate of magnesium, iron, and aluminium, with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe2+)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2. Lazulite forms one endmember of a solid solution series with the darker, iron-rich scorzalite.
How to identify Lazulite
- Lustre: Vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 5.5–6.0 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Lazulite in different forms
Stones often confused with Lazulite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Lazulite?
Lazulite is Mohs 5.5–6.0 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Lazulite?
Lazulite is typically blue (Azure, sky blue, bluish white, yellow-green, blue-green, rarely green).