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Lazurite

A species of Sodalite Group, Also known as Cyaneus, Lasurstein, Sapphis (of Agricola)

The appearance of lazurite is a unique find; this is perhaps one of the bluest of all blue minerals. Its hue is so unique that it has been awarded its very own name: ultramarine. Lazurite is most often found in Afganistan; however, small bands of this unforgettable mineral have been spotted in Russia and parts of the United States.

Hardness:

5 - 5.5

Density:

2.4 - 2.41 g/cm³

General Info About Lazurite

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Physical Properties of Lazurite

Luster

Resinous

Diaphaneity

Opaque

Colors

ultramarine, midnight blue, bluish green, green

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Indistinct

Fracture

Subconchoidal

Streak

Bright blue for Lazurite, White for the small cell Hauynes

Crystal System

Isometric

Hardness

5 - 5.5 , Soft

Density

2.4 - 2.41 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Lazurite

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Idealised Formula

Na₃Ca(Si₃Al₃)O₁₂S

Formula

Na₆Ca₂(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(SO₄,S,S₂,S₃,Cl,OH)₂

Elements listed

Al, Ca, Cl, H, Na, O, S, Si

Common Impurities

Fe, Mg, K, H₂O

Optical Properties of Lazurite

Refractive Index

1.5

Optical Character

Isotropic

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Rarity

Uncommon

Characteristics of Lazurite

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Composition of Lazurite

Lazurite and hauyne seem to have the same structure and both are sulfate-dominant minerals. Lazurite is a pigment (opalescent) and has a bright blue streak (especially as a component of the semiprecious stone lapis lazuli). Many hauynes have a white or pale blue streak and are translucent. The difference might be a consequence of the redox state (sulfate to sulfide ratio).

Cultural Significance of Lazurite

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Uses of Lazurite

Lazurite dates back to ancient Egypt, where it had the regal role as the prominent blue pigment used for decorating pharaoh's coffins. It is the basis for lapis lazuli, a beautiful gemstone that is highly desired by collectors, and the original ultramarine pigment for paint, which was prized above gold at one point.

The Meaning of Lazurite

Lazurite is the main mineral in lapis lazuli, which features in what is believed to be one of the oldest legends. The myth is that the Sumerian goddess of love, Inanna, travelled down to the underworld and back again around 4000 BCE, and with her, she took a rod and a lapis lazuli necklace.

Distribution of Lazurite

Lazurite was first described in 1890 for an occurrence in the Sar-e-Sang District, Koksha Valley, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. It has been mined for more than 6,000 years in the lapis lazuli district of Badakhshan. It is also mined at Lake Baikal in Siberia; Mount Vesuvius; Burma; Canada; and the United States.

Etymology of Lazurite

The name is from the Persian lajvard for blue.

Healing Properties of Lazurite

When used on the Third Eye chakra ,lazurite is said to promote visions and help the person develop their psychic abilities. It is often used to enhance memory and may be helpful when studying or working. It can be used during meditation to help uncover past memories, expand awareness, and allow for spiritual growth. It is considered a protective stone that will help with self-acceptance issues.

Chakras

Third Eye