The facts
What scorzalite actually is
The species behind scorzalite is lazulite-scorzalite series, Fe²⁺Al₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂; it forms in the monoclinic system.
Fe²⁺ gives the deep blue, slightly darker and greyer than lazulite is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.639–1.680 and a specific gravity of about 3.31–3.40, with indistinct prismatic cleavage.
Where scorzalite comes from
Commercial material comes from Córrego Frio Mine, Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Buranga pegmatite, Ngororero, Rwanda and Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How scorzalite is treated
Untreated. Usually massive and cut as cabochons; transparent facetable material is exceptional.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What scorzalite is confused with
Watch for Lazulite, Sodalite, Azurite and Dumortierite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.639–1.680 and specific gravity 3.31–3.40 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What scorzalite is used for
The trades that buy scorzalite are mineral collecting and jewellery. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the carat.
Durability and care
Scorzalite is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, with indistinct prismatic cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What scorzalite costs
Expect roughly Cabochons 15–80 USD; faceted stones 100–500 USD/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is scorzalite treated, and how?
Untreated. Usually massive and cut as cabochons; transparent facetable material is exceptional.
Where does scorzalite come from?
Córrego Frio Mine, Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Buranga pegmatite, Ngororero, Rwanda and Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is scorzalite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does scorzalite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 15–80 USD; faceted stones 100–500 USD/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is scorzalite confused with?
Most often Lazulite, Sodalite, Azurite and Dumortierite. A refractive index of 1.639–1.680 and a specific gravity near 3.31–3.40 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for scorzalite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about scorzalite