This specimen showcases light blue, prismatic to acicular lazaraskeite crystals on matrix. Under magnification, numerous radiating crystals can be seen. Lazarskeite is an exceptionally rare mineral, named after Warren Lazar and Beverly Raskin, who discovered it while prospecting for meteorites in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Arizona. It is notable as the first naturally occurring organic mineral containing glycolate.
Lazaraskeite forms in two polytypes: M1, with more equant crystals, and M2, which forms bladed crystals elongated along the c-axis. This discovery not only highlights the potential for finding more glycolate minerals but also suggests they may serve as natural reservoirs for biologically fixed carbon. The mineral was officially described in American Mineralogist (Vol 107, 2022).
Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). International customers are charged in CAD, exchange rate is calculated automatically by your bank/paypal upon checkout.
