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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Lazurite

Lazurite is a blue feldspathoid mineral and the key color component in lapis lazuli.

5.5 Mohs Royal Blue, Blue Silicate (Feldspathoid: Lazurite)
Lazurite

Overview

Lazurite is a blue feldspathoid mineral and the key color component in lapis lazuli.

Did you know? Lazurite-rich lapis was the historic source for natural ultramarine pigment.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Lazurite

Scientific classification: Silicate (Feldspathoid: Lazurite)

Hardness: 5.5 Mohs

Transparency: opaque

Lustre: vitreous to greasy

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Primary colour: Royal Blue

Secondary colour: Blue

Colour family: Blues

Deep blue opaque color, isometric feldspathoid chemistry, and association with calcite/pyrite are key identifiers.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 5.5 Mohs

Chemical composition: (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)2

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Common locations: Afghanistan, Russia, Chile, Myanmar

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Deep blue feldspathoid mineral that is the principal color-bearing phase in lapis lazuli.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Lazurite

Mineral group: Feldspathoid group

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)2

Mohs hardness: 5.5

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Lustre: vitreous to greasy

Transparency: opaque

Streak: Light blue

Cleavage: Poor

Fracture: Uneven to conchoidal

Specific gravity: 2.38-2.50

Refractive index: Approximately 1.50

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Royal blue to violet-blue

Common inclusions: Calcite and pyrite in lapis-associated material

Geological environment: Contact metamorphic carbonate settings

Principal mining regions: Afghanistan, Russia, Chile, Myanmar

Important commercial sources: Classic gem-quality lazurite-bearing material is associated with Afghanistan

Historical significance: Historically important for pigments and ornament.

Common treatments: Dyeing and impregnation can occur in lapis/lazurite products.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Synthetic ultramarine-colored materials and dyed stones can imitate lazurite-rich rock.

Common look-alikes: Sodalite, dyed howlite, blue glass

Jewellery uses: Used in ornamental carvings and as the defining mineral in lapis material.

Care recommendations: Moderate softness and potential porosity require gentle cleaning and no acids.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Lazurite.

Formation

Forms in contact-metamorphosed carbonate rocks with sulfur-bearing fluids.

Origin

Classic gem-quality lazurite-bearing material is associated with Afghanistan

Uses

Best for: Used in ornamental carvings and as the defining mineral in lapis material.

Ideal uses: Decorative and collector applications emphasizing saturated blue color.

Lazurite FAQ

How can I identify Lazurite?

Compare hardness (5.5 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous to greasy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Lazurite appear in?

Deep blue feldspathoid mineral that is the principal color-bearing phase in lapis lazuli.

Where is Lazurite commonly used?

Decorative and collector applications emphasizing saturated blue color.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.