Lazaridisite is a very rare hydrated sodium magnesium sulfate mineral discovered in the evaporite deposits of Greece. It typically forms small, colorless tabular crystals and is known primarily to mineralogists and advanced specimen collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Lazaridisite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lazaridisite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch lazaridisite with a known reference. Lazaridisite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lazaridisite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lazaridisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Lazaridisite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Leonite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside lazaridisite

Minerals reported to co-occur with lazaridisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Mg(SO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.74 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: expensive due to extreme rarity

Where rockhounds find lazaridisite

Classic worldwide localities

Lazaridis mine, Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where lazaridisite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, halite, thenardite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lazaridisite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is lazaridisite found?+

Notable localities include Lazaridis mine, Greece.

How much is lazaridisite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive due to extreme rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lazaridisite?+

Lazaridisite is most often confused with Bloedite, Leonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lazaridisite?+

Lazaridisite commonly co-occurs with Gypsum, Halite, Thenardite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lazaridisite form in?+

Lazaridisite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lazaridisite used for?+

Lazaridisite is used in collector.

Find lazaridisite on the map

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