Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Silicate Minerals
Lapis Lazuli vs Lazurite
Lapis Lazuli and Lazurite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, 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 Lapis Lazuli and Lazurite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Lapis Lazuli is opaque, Lazurite is translucent.
- They overlap in blue, but Lapis Lazuli also comes in yellow and Lazurite also comes in purple.
Lapis Lazuli vs Lazurite properties
| Property | Lapis Lazuli | Lazurite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 5.25 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | Light blue | Light blue |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.8 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Deep Blue, Blue, Blue with gold flecks | Blue, Deep blue, Azure blue, Violet blue |
| Rarity | uncommon | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$500+ | $10–$600+ |
Which is more valuable?
Lazurite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $50 for Lapis Lazuli, and premium Lazurite can reach $600 or more.
About Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock prized since antiquity. The golden flecks are pyrite inclusions, while the blue comes from lazurite.
About Lazurite
Lazurite is a deep blue feldspathoid mineral of the sodalite group and the main coloring component of the rock lapis lazuli. It occurs as rounded grains and rare dodecahedral crystals in metamorphosed limestone.
Lapis Lazuli vs Lazurite FAQ
Is Lapis Lazuli the same as Lazurite?
No. Lapis Lazuli is a semi-precious stone while Lazurite is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Lapis Lazuli from Lazurite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Lapis Lazuli is opaque, Lazurite is translucent. They overlap in blue, but Lapis Lazuli also comes in yellow and Lazurite also comes in purple.
Which is harder, Lapis Lazuli or Lazurite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 5.5.
Which is more valuable, Lapis Lazuli or Lazurite?
Lazurite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $80 against $50 for Lapis Lazuli, and premium Lazurite can reach $600 or more.
