Lazulite

Rapid Creek in Yukon is synonymous with its wonderful phosphate minerals; brought to the attention of many collectors in the Mineralogical Record’s much-loved special issue, some 27 years ago this month!  This specimen of Lazulite, a magnesium, iron, and aluminium phosphate, can only be described as superb.  A large plate of Quartz-rich matrix has about 50% coverage, on both sides, of well crystallised, deep inky-blue Lazulite and is equally displayable from either side.  The crystals measure up to 9 mm across and probably average about 6 mm.  The surrounding matrix is completely coated in micro-crystals of what appears to be calcite, but is actually clear, colourless rhombic Siderite.  A spectacular Lazulite from Rapid Creek; an area in which collecting is now strictly prohibited.