The main mineral component of lapis lazuli. Deep blue color from sulfur radical anions trapped in the sodalite crystal structure. Color: Deep blue, azure. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Streak: Light blue. Cleavage: Poor. Hardness: 5-5.5. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Isometric Cubic. Chemical formula: Na₃Ca Si₃Al₃ O₁₂S. Specific gravity: 2.38-2.45. Formation: Forms during contact metamorphism of impure limestones by silica-bearing hydrothermal fluids. Common geological settings: Afghanistan Badakhshan , Chile, Russia, Myanmar; found in metamorphosed limestones. Common look-alikes and related entries: Sodalite, Azurite, Hauyne.
Blue minerals — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.
Sources, scope & corrections
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:06.421315+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
The main mineral component of lapis lazuli. Deep blue color from sulfur radical anions trapped in the sodalite crystal structure.
How can you identify Lazurite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Deep blue, azure; lustre: Vitreous to greasy; streak: Light blue; Mohs hardness: 5-5.5; cleavage: Poor; crystal system: Isometric Cubic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Lazurite form?
Forms during contact metamorphism of impure limestones by silica-bearing hydrothermal fluids.
Where is Lazurite commonly found?
Afghanistan Badakhshan , Chile, Russia, Myanmar; found in metamorphosed limestones.
What is Lazurite commonly confused with?
Lazurite may be confused with Sodalite, Azurite, Hauyne. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.
