How do I identify Scorzalite?

Scorzalite can be identified by its hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, Dark azure blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Scorzalite?

Scorzalite typically appears in Dark azure blue, green-blue, blue-green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Scorzalite?

Scorzalite has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Scorzalite

A variety of Minerals

What is Scorzalite?

Scorzalite ((Fe,Mg)Al2(OH,PO4)2) is a dark blue phosphate mineral containing iron, magnesium, and aluminium phosphate. Scorzalite forms one endmember of a solid solution series with the lighter, more magnesium-rich lazulite. Scorzalite crystallizes in the monoclinic system in a dipyramidal form. It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6 and a specific gravity of 3.4. It is infusible and insoluble in water, and only slightly soluble in warm hydrochloric acid.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.639-1.680
Birefringence: 0.041
Pleochroism: Colorless, blue
Optical Character: Biaxial negative

Scorzalite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Scorzalite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Scorzalite Localities Map

See where Scorzalite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Scorzalite

It was first described in 1947 for an occurrence in the granite pegmatite in the Córrego Frio mine, Linópolis, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was named for the Brazilian geologist Everisto Pena Scorza (1899–1969). It occurs as a secondary phase in pegmatites and kyanite (aluminium-rich) quartzites. Associated minerals include souzalite, triphylite, wyllieite, trolleite, apatite, lacroixite, berlinite, tourmaline, muscovite, feldspar and quartz.