cubic Simulant lapis simulant
Gilson Lapis Lazuli (Cabochon)
Formula Synthetic lazurite composite
Crystal Structure
cubic
m3m
Quick Facts
Hardness
5.0
Specific Gravity
2.3
Refractive Index
1.5
Optical Character
Isotropic
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- cubic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.0
- Specific Gravity
- 2.3
- Lustre
- Vitreous to dull
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.5
- Birefringence
- 0
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Fluorescence
- Inert
Origin & Identification
- Origin
- Simulant
- Growth Method
- Gilson
- Manufacturer
- Gilson
- First Produced
- 1976
- Diagnostic Features
- Lacks pyrite inclusions (gold flecks) or contains artificial metallic flecks, slightly different SG from natural (2.3-2.4 vs 2.7-2.9), slightly different RI, uniform deep blue colour, granular texture under magnification
Characteristics
Colours
Deep blueUltramarine blue
Common Inclusions
Uniform granular textureArtificial metallic flecks (optional)
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
