Crystals of lazulite are rare. Colours vary from a mottled pale blue to dark blue. Transparent stones are pleochroic, showing blue and colourless, but often lazulite is not transparent. Semi-translucent or opaque stones, found as small crystal fragments, may be polished, carved or tumbled to make beads or decorative stones.

Localities include United States, Brazil, India, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Madagascar and Angola.

Chemical Composition: 

Magnesium aluminium hydroxyphosphate

Crystal System / Forms: 

Monoclinic

Hardness: 

5.5

Specific Gravity: 

3.10

Lustre: 

Vitreous

Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.61-1.64 / 0.031

Magnification: 

Blue and white mottling.

Geological Occurrence: 

United States, Brazil, India, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Madagascar and Angola.

Cuts & Uses: 

Cabochon