Overview

Lazulite is a striking blue magnesium aluminum phosphate, celebrated for its saturated azure to indigo color and sharp crystal forms. It forms a complete solid-solution series with iron-rich scorzalite, and many specimens show subtle compositional zoning between the two. Crystals are typically short to medium prisms or pseudo-bipyramidal wedges with crisp edges and a glassy luster; the best are transparent to translucent and glow when backlit. Classic associations include quartz, siderite, augelite, wardite, gormanite, and other phosphates.

Among phosphate minerals, lazulite occupies a special place with collectors for its pure, painterly blues and “textbook” crystal geometry. The top pieces—especially from Yukon’s Rapid Creek/Big Fish River area and Georgia’s Graves Mountain—rank among the most desirable blue phosphates ever found. Fine single crystals and attractive quartz-matrix pieces remain attainable, while elite cabinet specimens are genuinely scarce and highly prized.

Popularity

Lazulite’s appeal crosses experience levels: newcomers are drawn by the vivid color at approachable sizes, while advanced collectors chase iconic localities and exceptional luster or transparency. The 20th-century discoveries in northern Yukon set a high-water mark for razor-sharp, lustrous crystals on quartz and siderite, and Graves Mountain produced some of the largest crystals known—big, bold, and deeply colored, if often less gemmy.

As with many phosphates, supply is episodic: production at the famous Yukon localities has been irregular for decades, and Graves Mountain material emerges mostly via occasional collecting events. Smaller but classic European occurrences (notably in Austria and Sweden) add historical gravitas. This mix of world-class aesthetics, locality lore, and finite supply keeps demand steady and top examples firmly collectible.

Top Collecting Localities

While lazulite occurs in numerous phosphate-bearing environments, a handful of localities define the species for collectors.

Graves Mountain, Georgia, USA

Graves Mountain (Lincoln County, Georgia) is renowned for some of the largest lazulite crystals known—often stout, deeply colored blue prisms embedded in hard quartzite. Surfaces range from matte to slightly glossy; gemminess is less common than in Yukon material, but the scale and color are exceptional. Typical associations include kyanite, rutile, pyrophyllite, and quartz. Extraction is challenging due to extremely tough matrix, making pristine crystals and aesthetic matrix pieces rarer than one might expect from the locality’s fame.

Collectors value Graves Mountain lazulite for size, locality prestige, and the distinctive look of bold blue crystals set in pale quartzite. Big, complete crystals with minimal bruising are surprisingly hard to find and are centerpieces in many phosphate suites.

Collector’s Guide

Evaluating Specimen Quality

• Color and saturation:
  • The hallmark of lazulite is its saturated royal-to-indigo blue. Look for even, intense color that reads “blue” in ambient cabinet light (not only when strongly backlit).
  • Slight zoning is common due to the lazulite–scorzalite series; gentle variations can add interest, but strongly patchy color may detract unless aesthetically pleasing.
• Luster and clarity:
  • Top crystals show bright vitreous luster on smooth faces and crisp edges. Yukon material often has the best natural shine and partial translucency.
  • Graves Mountain crystals are frequently larger but more matte; excellent pieces still show uniform, healthy surfaces without pervasive pitting.
• Crystal form and size:
  • Classic habits are short prisms and wedge-like dipyramids with well-defined terminations. Symmetry and sharpness matter—dull or poorly formed tips reduce impact.
  • Size varies by locality: Graves Mountain offers some of the world’s largest single crystals; Yukon excels in aesthetics and luster. Balance both factors against condition.
• Matrix and associations:
  • Matrix elevates display value. Desirable pairings include lazulite on white quartz or honey-brown siderite (Yukon), or embedded in pale quartzite (Graves Mountain).
  • Phosphate associations (augellite, wardite, gormanite, kulanite) make superb reference suites.
• Condition:
  • Inspect termination edges and ridges for chips—blue minerals highlight damage easily. Prefer pristine or minimally dinged terminations.
  • Natural contact surfaces are acceptable if tucked on the back or base. Avoid conspicuous repair lines that bisect prominent faces.
• Locality and provenance:
  • Proper labels add significant value, especially for historical European pieces and famous localities (Yukon, Graves Mountain).
  • If a specimen straddles the lazulite–scorzalite series, a note on composition, if known, is helpful.

Detecting Repairs or Treatments

• Repairs:
  • Lazulite is brittle; reattached crystals occur, especially on tough matrices (e.g., Graves Mountain quartzite). Examine for straight, clean junction lines, slight misalignment of faces, or tiny epoxy squeeze-out. Some adhesives fluoresce under LW-UV.
  • Matrix assemblies (crystal added to a foreign rock) are rare but possible—mismatched matrix or visible glue at the interface are red flags.
• Surface enhancement:
  • Polishing of a broken termination to simulate a natural face is uncommon but possible. Compare surface texture: natural faces show subtle growth features; polished surfaces can look too smooth and mirror-like.
• Color treatments:
  • Heating/irradiation is unusual for specimens (as opposed to gems). If encountered, irradiated colors can fade with strong UV; however, this is rarely an issue with lazulite specimens.
• Cleaning considerations:
  • Iron-stain removal (e.g., sodium dithionite/“Iron Out”) is commonly used on Yukon matrix and is generally acceptable when done properly. Over-cleaning that etches faces or leaves residues is undesirable and should be disclosed.

Care and Storage

• Handling:
  • Lazulite has moderate hardness (~5.5–6) but is brittle. Support matrix pieces with two hands; avoid pressure on crystal tips and edges. Use soft padding during transport.
• Light and temperature:
  • Natural color is stable in normal display lighting. Avoid prolonged direct sun or heat sources; rapid temperature swings can risk fracturing.
• Cleaning:
  • Dust with a soft brush or gentle air. For grime, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap and a very soft brush; rinse thoroughly and air-dry.
  • Avoid strong acids or ultrasonic cleaners; both can damage lazulite or sensitive matrix minerals (siderite, feldspar, mica).
  • For iron staining on matrix, sodium dithionite solutions are typically safe when used carefully; always test first and rinse well.
• Storage:
  • Provide cushioned, compartmentalized storage to prevent rubbing. Keep away from harder specimens that might scratch faces; lazulite itself can scratch softer neighbors.
  • Secure display pieces with tack or stands, especially in vibration-prone environments. Maintain labels and provenance with the specimen.

With its regal blues, sharp forms, and storied localities, lazulite rewards patient selection. Whether you favor Yukon's gemmy wedges, Georgia’s muscular crystals, or European classics, a fine lazulite is a highlight in any phosphate or color-focused collection.