lazurite

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lazurite Mineral Na8[(Si,A1)6O24](S,SO4) belonging to the sodalite group of minerals and with a similar composition to haüyne and nosean; sp. gr. 2.3–2.4; hardness 5.5; cubic; intense, deep, azure-blue, violet, light blue, or greenish-blue; vitreous lustre; usually compact, massive; cleavage imperfect, rhombododecahedral; occurs in the contact zone of alkaline, igneous rocks, in association with carbonate rocks, and in alkaline lavas. It is used to make ornaments.

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