Comparison · Minerals vs Phosphate Minerals
Labradorite vs Lazulite
Labradorite and Lazulite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Labradorite and Lazulite
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in blue and green, but Labradorite also comes in gray and yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Labradorite is triclinic, Lazulite is monoclinic.
Labradorite vs Lazulite properties
| Property | Labradorite | Lazulite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 5.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 3.1 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash | Blue, Sky blue, Azure blue, Bluish green |
| Rarity | common | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $15–$500+ |
Which is more valuable?
Lazulite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $30 for Labradorite, and premium Lazulite can reach $500 or more.
About Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
About Lazulite
Lazulite is a magnesium aluminum phosphate prized by collectors for its rich azure-blue color. It forms hard pyramidal crystals and granular masses, most often in metamorphic quartzites and pegmatites.
Labradorite vs Lazulite FAQ
Is Labradorite the same as Lazulite?
No. Labradorite is a mineral while Lazulite is a phosphate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Labradorite from Lazulite?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in blue and green, but Labradorite also comes in gray and yellow. Well-formed crystals give it away: Labradorite is triclinic, Lazulite is monoclinic.
Which is harder, Labradorite or Lazulite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6.
Which is more valuable, Labradorite or Lazulite?
Lazulite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $30 for Labradorite, and premium Lazulite can reach $500 or more.
