Lazurite is relatively rare and occurs as a product of contact metamorphism of limestones. The best lazurite comes from the Firgamu mines of Afghanistan which have been producing lapis lazuli as long ago as the days of the Egyptian Pharaohs. At one time, lazurite was used as a pigment for altramarine paint, but now it is cheaper and easier to use synthetic pigments.
| (Na,Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(SO4,S,Cl)2 |
|
| Tectosilicate |
|
| Isometric |
|
| -43m |
|
| 5-5.5 |
|
| 2.4-2.45 |
|
| {011} imperfect |
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| Conchoidal |
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| Blue |
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| Light blue |
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| Vitreous |
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| Translucent |
|
| Granular, massive |
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| Fluorescent |
|
| Notable Localities: |
Afghanistan; Lake Baikal, Siberia; Chile |
| Uses: |
Ornamental and gemstone, paint pigment (obsolete use) |
Specimens:
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