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UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral species · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Lazulite
The phosphate mineral species lazulite, listed in GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1; it must not be confused with Lapis Lazuli or Haüyne. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Lazulite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify LazuliteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Caring for and wearing LazuliteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them; durability indicators and wearing advice
- Hardness, density and refractive index of LazuliteEach value with its source and check date
- Lazulite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Name origin and history of LazuliteWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing LazuliteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define LazuliteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Lazulite is a magnesium aluminium basic phosphate, MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2, that crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms a complete solid-solution series with the iron end-member scorzalite. It occurs chiefly disseminated in metamorphic quartzites, schists, and quartz veins, and in the border zones of complex granite pegmatites as well as in alluvium and colluvium. In metamorphic settings it is associated with quartz, andalusite, rutile, kyanite, corundum, muscovite, and pyrophyllite; in pegmatites with albite, quartz, muscovite, tourmaline, and beryl, reflecting aluminium-, phosphorus- and magnesium-bearing metamorphic or pegmatitic fluids.
Scope: Applies to the composition and occurrence of lazulite as a phosphate mineral of metamorphic rocks and pegmatites; does not include geochronology or quantitative ore-forming models of specific deposits.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
Fine-grained disseminations in quartz veins, schists and metamorphic quartzites; in border zones of complex granite pegmatites; and in colluvium and alluvium.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Associated with quartz, andalusite, rutile, kyanite, corundum, muscovite, pyrophyllite, dumortierite in metamorphic rocks
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
Aluminium-, phosphorus- and magnesium-bearing metamorphic or pegmatitic fluids are enriched.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
The fluids migrate along schistosity, quartz veins, or pegmatite border zones and react.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Under suitable conditions monoclinic lazulite precipitates as disseminated grains or vein material.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
It is intergrown with quartz, andalusite, and kyanite in metamorphic rocks, and with albite, tourmaline, and beryl in pegmatites.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Lazulite is chiefly azure-blue to blue-green with a white streak and vitreous luster; the color relates to its iron- and magnesium-bearing phosphate composition and its strong pleochroism.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Timescale
The source does not state an absolute geological timescale for lazulite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Supporting findings
Lazulite is disseminated in metamorphic quartzites, schists, and quartz veins, and occurs in the border zones of complex granite pegmatites and in alluvium and colluvium.
Evidence grade BScope: A general occurrence summary, not a quantitative deposit model.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Mt. Bity, Madagascar
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Asia
- Chilas area, near Nanga ParbatDescribed as fine gemmy crystals
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Freßnitzgraben, Krieglach, Styria, Austria
Sources Mindat: Lazulite
North America
- Graves Mountain, Lincoln County, Georgia, United States
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
- Big Fish River–Rapid Creek area, Yukon, Canada
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
South America
- 15 km west of Dattas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Where the name comes from
The English name lazulite derives from the German lazurstein, for “blue stone,” in reference to its blue color.
Evidence grade BScope: Etymology explains the origin of the name only; it does not establish the material's composition, locality, naturalness, or treatment.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Lazulite is a magnesium aluminium basic phosphate, MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2, monoclinic, extending toward the iron end-member.
Evidence grade BScope: Ideal end-member composition; Fe substitutes for Mg in natural samples.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Lazulite forms a solid-solution series with scorzalite.
Evidence grade BScope: The series relationship, not the end-member ratio of any single sample.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In the CIBJO standard, Lazulite is listed as an independent mineral species / gemstone name and marked as no treatment (always).
Evidence grade AScope: Confirms nomenclature and identity level only, not genesis.
Sources CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
The name lazulite derives from the German lazurstein, meaning blue stone.
Evidence grade BScope: Etymology only; unrelated to formation or use.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The Handbook data sheet focuses on properties and occurrence; it gives no absolute ages for lazulite formation.
- The specific cause of lazulite's blue color (e.g. Fe-Mg charge transfer or a color center) is not explained in this source.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Lazulite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Lazulite” · IMA Mineral List 2026-07 “Lazulite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Lazulite is Lazulite; use "Lazulite" for listings, and disclose any known treatments.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.1, row 天蓝石 (Lazulite)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Lazulite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Lazulite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Lazulite, p.60; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Lazulite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Lazulite, p.60; §6.2 b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
CleaningCare of Lazulite: the Lazulite row in Appendix C of the CIBJO Official Gemstone Book (2022) states that, whatever the treatment state, it must not be cleaned ultrasonically, and that, again whatever the treatment state, Lazulite fractures easily and should be worn with care. General careGeneral care that applies to all gemstones, and the full list of special-care letter codes, are in the general care section of the materials index page.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care |
Durability and wearing
Numbers in curly braces, such as {111}, are crystallographic face symbols (Miller indices): each marks a set of crystal faces or cleavage planes. They are reproduced as written in the cited source.
Toughness
Brittle
Cleavage
Poor to good on {110}; indistinct on {101}
Fracture
Uneven to splintery
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name of Lazulite is given in GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1, the mineralogical name is Lazulite, and the suggested listing name is Lazulite. Names in four languagesThe names are given in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Lazulite) and Japanese (the entry's own Japanese name; the GSJ (Japan) wording for it is not yet verified by this site). Institution usageFor authority wording, this site records only CIBJO's wording, Lazulite (CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024); the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked. Bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- ラズライト／天藍石 (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Chinese formal name
- 天蓝石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Lazulite
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 天蓝石
- 繁體中文
- 天藍石
- English
- Lazulite
- 日本語
- ラズライト／天藍石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Phosphate minerals
- Identity tier
- Mineral species
- Mineral chemical class
- Phosphates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Lazulite is crystalline, monoclinic, with prismatic and pyramidal crystals, and granular or compact massive aggregates; chemical composition MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2, phase lazulite; Mohs hardness 5–6. Optical character anisotropic, biaxial, negative, or an anisotropic aggregate; birefringence 0.031; the UV-visible spectrum is not diagnostic, and there are infrared absorption bands characteristic of lazulite in the mid-infrared region; transparency transparent to translucent, massive material opaque. Density 3.08–3.17 g/cm³ (the cited clause gives 3.09 with a permitted tolerance of +0.08/−0.01, and the range is derived from this); refractive index 1.607–1.648 (the cited clause gives 1.612–1.643 with a permitted tolerance of ±0.005, and the range is derived from this). Untreated, pleochroism is strong, in dark violetish blue, light blue and colourless, not measurable on aggregates; lustre is vitreous.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Lazulite — nomenclature status: IMA status A: approved (accepted by the IMA after it was set up in 1958).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Lazulite — composition (chemistry): MgAl2 (PO4) 2 (OH) 2
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — composition (phase): lazulite
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Lazulite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — structure (crystal habit): prisms and pyramids; granular or compact massive aggregates.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Durability
Lazulite — Mohs hardness: 5–6
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- hardness only, not durability
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Physical properties
Lazulite — density: 3.08–3.17 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 3.09, with a stated tolerance of +0.08 / -0.01. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Lazulite — optic character: biaxial, optically negative (anisotropic), or an anisotropic aggregate.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — refractive index: 1.607–1.648
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.612–1.643, with a stated tolerance of ±0.005. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — birefringence: 0.031
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — transparency: transparent, translucent; opaque massive material.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Lazulite — pleochroism: strong: dark purple-blue, pale blue and colorless; cannot be measured on aggregates.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — fluorescence (overall): none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — spectrum (infrared): diagnostic bands of lazulite in the mid-IR
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Lazulite — magnification: gas-liquid inclusions, mineral inclusions, visible doubling of facet edges (birefringence), aggregates of granular structure and compact massive structure.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Lazulite — body colour: Dark (violetish) blue, green-blue, transparent, translucent; opaque massive material often mottled with white.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Amazonite, Common Opal, Larimar and other entries also name blue or a bluish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Lazulite — body colour: dark blue, blue-green, purple-blue, blue-white, sky blue, etc.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Lapis Lazuli, Sillimanite, Haüyne and other variety clauses also name blue or a bluish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
How the sources relate
- CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 and GB/T 16553—2017
Both list dark blue, a violetish blue and blue-green (the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book says green-blue). GB/T 16553—2017 also lists bluish white and sky blue; the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book adds that opaque massive material is often mottled with white.
Quality factors
Lazulite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.30 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.627 / 3.12; Closest values: 1Andalusite 1.639 / 3.17, 2Dolomite 1.624 / 3.03, 3Chlorite 1.629 / 3, 4Bi Yu, Green Nephrite Variety 1.621 / 3, 5Amblygonite 1.607 / 3.02
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The conclusion registered for Lazulite on identification and market is that there is no synthetic lazulite on the market; this conclusion applies regardless of treatment status, that is, whether or not the lazulite has been treated. The conclusion comes from the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022).
How far testing can go
Lazulite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Lazulite is defined directly in CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the term Lazulite; CIBJO registers it as the mineral species lazulite, IMA status A, with the CIBJO wording quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page; the cross-check shows it is defined directly by CIBJO and also appears in the GB/T annex. Lazulite also has an IMA Mineral List entry, written Lazulite MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 A 1967 s.p., cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data).
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| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazulite | 7.2.1.130 | Dark (violetish) blue, green-blue, transparent, translucent; opaque massive material often mottled with white; transparent crystals show strong pleochroism, dark blue, light blue and colourless | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Lazulite | IMA Mineral List entry | Lazulite MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 A 1967 s.p. | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Phosphate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Lazulite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.