AllMineralsRock
Lazulite
Lazulite is a popular mineral composed of magnesium iron aluminum phosphate. [1]
Lazulite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Lazulite:- Transparency: Lazulite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, lazulite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, lazulite can be dull or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Lazulite streaks white.
- Hardness: Lazulite's hardness ranges from 5.5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Lazulite's specific gravity ranges from 3.08 to 3.38.
Lazulite: Background and Summary
Lazulite is a rare phosphate mineral that is known for its striking blue color. It is a member of the lazulite group, which includes several other minerals that have similar chemical compositions and crystal structures. The name "lazulite" comes from the Arabic word for "blue stone," which refers to the mineral's vivid blue color.Lazulite is typically found in metamorphic rocks, particularly those that have undergone high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. It is often associated with other phosphate minerals, such as apatite and monazite. Lazulite is typically found in small, isolated crystals, and it can be difficult to identify without the use of specialized equipment.
To identify lazulite, one can look for its distinctive blue color, which is caused by the presence of iron and magnesium ions in the crystal lattice. Lazulite also has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it is harder than most common minerals but can still be scratched by harder materials like quartz and topaz. Additionally, lazulite has a specific gravity of 3.1 to 3.3, which is slightly heavier than most other minerals of similar size.
Despite its rarity, lazulite has a few practical uses. It is sometimes used as a gemstone or ornamental stone due to its attractive blue color and relative hardness. It is also occasionally used in the manufacture of ceramic and glass materials, as well as in the production of fertilizers and other industrial chemicals.
Lazulite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Lazulite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | (Mg,Fe)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2 |
| Chemical Composition | magnesium iron aluminum phosphate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.08, 3.38 |
| Hardness | 5.5, 6 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.604, 1.68 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: blue, green sometimes: black, white less common: multicolor |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| Category | phosphate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.033 - 0.037 |
Lazulite: FAQ
Q: Is lazulite toxic?A: No, lazulite is not toxic and is considered safe for handling and use in most applications.
Q: Can lazulite be found in jewelry?
A: Yes, lazulite is sometimes used as a gemstone in jewelry, particularly in pendants, earrings, and other types of non-ring jewelry.
Q: Where is lazulite typically found?
A: Lazulite is typically found in metamorphic rocks, particularly those that have undergone high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. It is most commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
Sources
- "Lazulite." Mindat.org. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.mindat.org/min-2304.html.- "Lazulite: Mineral information, data and localities." Handbook of Mineralogy. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/lazulite.pdf.
- Lazulite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazulite
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