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Where is Lapis Lazuli (rock) or Lazurite in Quartz found?

SiO2 with (Na,Ca)8[(S,SO4,Cl)2|(Al6Si6O24)]

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Lapis Lazuli (rock) or Lazurite in Quartz occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.

Where to find Lapis Lazuli (rock) or Lazurite in Quartz

Sar-e-Sang, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan

The most historically significant and primary source of high-quality Lapis Lazuli (lazurite-rich rock), mined for over 6,000 years. Here, lazurite occurs in crystalline marble, often with pyrite and calcite, and sometimes minor quartz.

Lake Baikal region, Siberia, Russia

Another important source of lazurite, found in metamorphosed carbonate rocks.

Ovalle, Coquimbo Region, Chile

Produces lazurite, often associated with calcite and other silicates, in metamorphic settings.

Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Known for occurrences of lazurite in metamorphic rocks.

Collecting tips

  1. Geological Context. Focus on areas known for contact metamorphism of carbonate rocks, particularly near granitic intrusions. Skarn deposits are prime targets.
  2. Associated Minerals. Look for calcite (white, softer than quartz), pyrite (metallic gold flecks), diopside (greenish-white), and other silicates often found with lazurite.
  3. Color and Luster. The intense blue color of lazurite is distinctive. Quartz will appear as clearer or milky areas contrasting with the blue. Lazurite has a vitreous to greasy luster, while quartz is distinctly vitreous.
  4. Hardness Test. Lazurite (5-5.5) is softer than quartz (7). A steel knife can scratch lazurite but not quartz. This helps differentiate the two components within a sample.

Quick Check

Color:
Vivid blue (lazurite) with colorless/white/translucent (quartz)
Luster:
Vitreous to greasy (lazurite), Vitreous (quartz)
Streak:
Light blue (lazurite), White (quartz)

Explore Lapis Lazuli (rock) or Lazurite in Quartz

Overview

Full guide to Lapis Lazuli (rock) or Lazurite in Quartz

Identification

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