Jadeite Vs. Lazulite


Jadeite is a very popular mineral composed of sodium aluminum silicate.[1] Lazulite is a popular mineral and its chemical composition is magnesium iron aluminum phosphate.[2]

Images of jadeite

Images of lazulite


Quick Facts on Differences of Jadeite and Lazulite

For a quick recap of the differences jadeite and lazulite:
  • While both jadeite and lazulite can be opaque or translucent, lazulite can be transparent.
  • For chemical formulas, jadeite is NaAlSi2O6 while lazulite can be (Mg or Fe)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2.
  • While both jadeite and lazulite can be vitreous, in terms of luster, jadeite can be greasy, pearly or waxy and lazulite can be dull.
  • While both jadeite and lazulite can be commonly blue or green, jadeite is often white or yellow.
  • Jadeite's hardness is higher than lazulite - jadeite ranges from 6.5 to 7 and lazulite ranges from 5.5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Jadeite and Lazulite

The similarities of jadeite and lazulite include:
  • In terms of crystallography, jadeite and lazulite both are monoclinic.
  • Jadeite and lazulite both streak white.
  • Jadeite's rarity is similar to lazulite.
  • Jadeite's specific gravity overlaps with lazulite - jadeite ranges from 3.25 to 3.34 and lazulite ranges from 3.08 to 3.38.

Summary of Jadeite

Jadeite is a mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group and is one of two types of jade, the other being nephrite. Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate with a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively hard mineral. It is usually found in shades of green, but it can also appear in white, pink, yellow, and blue colors. Jadeite is primarily found in Myanmar, but it can also be found in other countries such as Guatemala, Japan, and Russia.

Summary of Lazulite

Lazulite is a rare phosphate mineral that is known for its striking blue color. It is a member of the lazulite group, which includes several other minerals that have similar chemical compositions and crystal structures. The name "lazulite" comes from the Arabic word for "blue stone," which refers to the mineral's vivid blue color.

Table Comparison of Jadeite vs Lazulite

Jadeite (src) Lazulite (src)
Transparency translucent, opaque transparent, translucent, opaque
Chemical Formula NaAlSi2O6 (Mg,Fe)Al2(PO4)2(OH)2
Chemical Composition sodium aluminum silicate magnesium iron aluminum phosphate
Specific Gravity 3.25, 3.34, 3.36 3.08, 3.38
Hardness 6.5, 7 5.5, 6
Streak white white
Crystallography monoclinic monoclinic
Refractive Index 1.64, 1.667 1.604, 1.68
Hydrous No No
Colors common: green, yellow, blue, white
sometimes: red, brown, purple
less common: gray, pink, black, orange, violet, colorless, band, multicolor
common: blue, green
sometimes: black, white
less common: multicolor
Category pyroxene phosphate
Birefringence δ = 0.013 - 0.020 δ = 0.033 - 0.037
Fracture splintery, uneven uneven