AllMineralsRock
Lazurite
Lazurite is a popular mineral composed of sodium calcium aluminum silicate. [1]
Lazurite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Lazurite:- Transparency: Lazurite can be opaque or translucent.
- Luster: In terms of luster, lazurite can be dull, greasy, vitreous (glassy) or waxy.
- Streak: Lazurite streaks blue.
- Specific Gravity: Lazurite's specific gravity ranges from 2.4 to 2.5.
Lazurite: Background and Summary
Lazurite is a blue mineral that is typically found in igneous rocks such as lapis lazuli. It has a chemical composition of (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S,SO4,Cl)2 and is a member of the sodalite group. The mineral is often used as a decorative stone due to its vibrant blue color, and it is also used in the production of pigments for paints and dyes.One way to identify lazurite is through its color. The mineral typically has a deep blue color that is often mottled with white and gold. It has a hardness of 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale, which means that it can be scratched by materials with a higher hardness, such as quartz. Lazurite also has a vitreous to greasy luster and a specific gravity of 2.4-2.5.
Lazurite has a variety of uses, both practical and decorative. One of its most common uses is in the production of pigments for paints and dyes. The deep blue color of lazurite is highly prized in these industries, and it is often used to create shades of blue that cannot be achieved with other pigments. Lazurite is also used as a decorative stone in jewelry and sculpture. It is often polished and cut into cabochons or other shapes to showcase its beautiful blue color.
Lazurite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Lazurite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Na6Ca2Al6Si6O24S2 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium calcium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.4, 2.5 |
| Streak | blue |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: blue less common: green |
| Solubility | Soluble in HCl |
| Category | tectosilicates |
Lazurite: FAQ
Q: Is lazurite rare?A: Lazurite is not considered a rare mineral, but it is often found in small quantities within other rocks. The most common source of lazurite is lapis lazuli, a rock that is often used as a decorative stone.
Q: Is lazurite toxic?
A: Lazurite is not toxic, but it should not be ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Like many minerals, it can be hazardous if handled improperly or inhaled as dust.
Q: Can lazurite be found in the United States?
A: Lazurite is not commonly found in the United States, but it has been found in small quantities in some areas. It is more commonly found in other parts of the world, such as Afghanistan, Russia, and Chile.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Lazurite. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-2351.html- Webmineral.com. (n.d.). Lazurite Mineral Data. Retrieved from http://webmineral.com/data/Lazurite.shtml
- Lazurite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazurite
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