metamorphic
Blue Dumortierite Quartz
Dumortierite in Quartz (AlAl6BSi3O18)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Denim blue, violet-blue, or dark blue; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (fibrous inclusions); Specific Gravity: 2.65 - 3.41.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Denim blue, violet-blue, or dark blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when polished)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Denim blue, violet-blue, or dark blue; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (fibrous inclusions); Specific Gravity: 2.65 - 3.41.
Formation & geological history
Formed in regional metamorphic rocks such as gneisses and schists, or in aluminum-rich pegmatites. The blue color is due to fibrous inclusions of the mineral dumortierite within the quartz matrix.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, for decorative carvings, and as a popular tumbled stone for collectors and metaphysical researchers.
Geological facts
Dumortierite was first described in 1881 and named after the French paleontologist Eugène Dumortier. It is often mistaken for sodalite or lapis lazuli due to its deep blue hue.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its deep blue color and hardness (it can scratch glass). It is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States (California/Nevada). Collectors look for even saturation of blue and clarity of the quartz host.
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