Lazurite (var. Lapis Lazuli)

This rare and visually striking specimen features rich, layered blue lazulite accented by contrasting white calcite and scattered microcrystals of pyrite. The specimen originates from the Flor de Los Andes deposit near Ovalle in Chile’s Coquimbo Region—one of the very few localities outside Afghanistan known to produce lapis lazuli and related minerals. Located at an elevation of approximately 3,600 metres in the Andes, the deposit was first documented in 1851, with commercial extraction beginning around 1950. The lapis material from this area formed through contact metamorphism and sulphur-rich hydrothermal alteration of Cretaceous limestones, resulting in a mineral assemblage that includes lazurite, hauyne, diopside, wollastonite, calcite, and pyrite.

Due to the remote location, high altitude, and short mining season, specimens from this locality are scarce. This old-time piece is an excellent and colourful representative of lazurite from an obscure yet geologically significant source.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal.