Lasnierite is a rare phosphate mineral characterized by its distinctive blue color and occurrences within granitic pegmatites. It is typically found as small, isolated crystals in association with other phosphate minerals, requiring microscopic examination for positive identification.
Is this lasnierite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch lasnierite with a known reference. Lasnierite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lasnierite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lasnierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, light blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: equant to short prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Lasnierite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Tavorite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 4).
How to tell apart: Amblygonite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 4).
How to tell apart: Lazulite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 4).
Often found alongside lasnierite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lasnierite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Mg,Fe²⁺)Al(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.39 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Short Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find lasnierite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Genis, Sardinia, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lasnierite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to short prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lasnierite on the map
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