Lazulite

Formula:  MgAl2(PO4)2(OH)2

Origin of name:  From Persian, lazhward = blue

 

Crystal system:  Monoclinic

Crystal class:  2/m

Twinning:  Common on {100}, may be polysynthetic or lamellar; rare on {223}

Unit cell: a = 7.15 Ǻ, b = 7.28 Ǻ, c = 7.23 Ǻ, β = 120.5°

 

Colour:  Deep azure blue to light blue, bluish green

Diaphaneity: 

Luster:  Vitreous to dull

Habit:  Crystals acute pyramidal, sometimes tabular; massive, compact to granular

Hardness:  5.5 to 6

Specific gravity:  3.10

Cleavage:  2; {110} indistinct to good; {101} indistinct

Tenacity:  Uneven to splintery; brittle

Streak: 

 

Synonyms/varieties:  Gersbyite

 

Comments:  Series with scorzalite

 

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