Lazurite

Lazurite is a dreamy gemstone that comes in deep blue shades, often contrasted against the cool, gray background of the limestone cracks from which they formed. It was discovered more than 6,000 years ago where the ancient Sar-e Sang has been mined since 4,000 BC Lazurite is a key component of lapis lazuli, though the two are distinct stones. Lazurite is a tectosilicate mineral with sulfate, sulfur and chloride. It is a feldspathoid and a member of the sodalite group. The name Lazurite is derived from the term "Lazaward", which means heaven in Arabic, alluding to its blue color.

Lazurite occurs almost exclusively in massive form without any visible crystals. The exception is the historic occurrence of Afghanistan, where this mineral is famous and highly regarded for producing outstanding rich-blue crystals unlike any other minerals. These crystals, almost always perched in a white marble matrix, are highly sought out after by mineral collectors. When not used as gemstones, the non-crystallized forms are often polished for collectors and may also be sliced into slabs. Lazurite and Lapis Lazuli are best known from Badakshan Province, Afghanistan, where both the massive gem form and the coveted crystallized forms come from.

The most well-known locality there is Sar-e Sang, Kokcha Valley, famous for its outstanding crystals. Another Another important producer of Lazurite is Russia, where it is found in the vicinity of Slyudyanka, near the southern area of Lake Baikal. Other worldwide localities include San Vito, Monte Somma, Vesuvius, Italy; and the Cazadero river, near Ovalle, Chile. Our materials on this live are all from the Sar-e Sang mine.