Lazaraskeite

Chemical formula: Cu²⁺(C₂H₃O₃)¹⁻₂

Lazaraskeite is an extremely rare, organic copper mineral of intense blue color, forming microscopic, acicular crystals.

## Characteristics Lazaraskeite is a hydrated copper glycolate, making it one of the few organic minerals. It occurs as extremely small, acicular or bladed crystals, rarely exceeding 1 mm in length. These crystals form radial aggregates, rosettes, or chaotic clusters on the surface of the host rock. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, its visual features are most often observed under magnification. ## Physical Properties The crystals are too small and delicate for standard physical property testing, such as hardness or density. The luster is described as vitreous. The mineral is transparent to translucent. ## Colors and Varieties Lazaraskeite is characterized by a uniform, intense blue color. No color varieties or commercial forms are known. ## History and Name The mineral was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2012 under number 2012-057. Its name honors Bill and Joan Lazaraske, American mineral collectors and dealers who provided the sample for study. It was described by Anthony R. Kampf and his team. ## Uses Lazaraskeite has no industrial application. Its significance is purely scientific and collectible, as an extremely rare and unusual organic mineral.

Properties

Mohs hardness
2
Color
Greenish blue
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Density
2.12
Cleavage
{101}
Fracture
Uneven
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification The key diagnostic feature is its unique form – microscopic, acicular crystals of intense blue color, forming radial aggregates. Occurrence in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, in an arid climate, is also an important clue. Final identification requires advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD). ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other blue secondary copper minerals, such as chalcanthite, linarite, or azurite. Lazaraskeite differs from them by its characteristic habit of acicular crystals in radial clusters and its extreme rarity. Unlike chalcanthite, it is not as highly water-soluble, but still requires protection from moisture. ## Crystal Forms It forms elongated, acicular or bladed crystals, usually grouped into radial aggregates resembling hedgehogs or rosettes. Single, isolated crystals are extremely rare.

Geological environment

## Genesis Lazaraskeite is a secondary mineral, formed as a result of oxidation processes in copper deposits. Its formation is associated with the reaction of copper-rich solutions with organic matter, probably lichens, under desert conditions (very arid climate). It forms as a product of post-mining mobilization processes on mine dumps. ## Mineral Associations At the type locality (Rowley Mine), it co-occurs with minerals such as tenorite, wulfenite, mimetite, fluorite, barite, and quartz. ## Localities The only confirmed occurrence of lazaraskeite in the world is the Rowley Mine in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. This is its type locality.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The collectible appeal of a specimen depends on the richness and aesthetics of the crystal aggregates. Most valued are samples with clearly formed, radial rosettes of intense blue color, contrasting well with the host rock. The size of the aggregates and the coverage of the matrix surface are key factors influencing value. ## Popular Localities The only source of specimens, the Rowley Mine in Arizona, is simultaneously the most valued and only known locality. Specimens from this locality are unique items in the collector's market.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Specimens must be handled with the utmost care. Due to extreme delicacy and water solubility, mechanical cleaning or cleaning with liquids is absolutely inadvisable. The safest method for dust removal is to use a soft brush or carefully blow air from a safe distance. ## What to Avoid Contact with water, acids, bases, and any solvents that could immediately damage or dissolve the crystals must be strictly avoided. The mineral is sensitive to high temperatures and direct sunlight, which can lead to dehydration and destruction. It should be protected from moisture. ## Storage Lazaraskeite specimens should be stored under stable conditions, in closed, airtight containers (e.g., "perky box" type), to protect them from dust, moisture, and mechanical damage. It is best to keep them in a dark and dry place.

External references

Sources

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