PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - tectosilicates
- COMPOSITION Na3Ca(Al3Si3O12) S
- COLOR Various shades of intense blues
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Cubic
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Dodecahedral, when it crystallizes
- HARDNESS 5 - 5.5
- FRACTURE Uneven, brittle
- EXFOLIATION Indistinct
- GLOSS From matte to vitreous
- STRIP Intense blue
- TRANSPARENCY From translucent to opaque
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.4
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.5 average
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The lazurite is the main component of lapis lazuli, where it is well distributed, along with pyrite, calcite and sodalite, and the one that gives it its characteristic blue color.
The lazurite is an aluminosilicate of sodium and calcium sulfide. It normally forms compact, granular and dense masses, and very rarely implanted rhombododecahedrons. It usually forms in crystalline limestone by contact metamorphism.
Deposits: Afghanistan, Chile, Italy, Argentina, United States and Russia.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The lazurite is considered a stone of high vibration that opens metaphysical capacities, expanding consciousness. It is often helpful in exploring other dimensions and finding one's true home.
