It was only recognized as a distinct mineral in the last 50 years. Scorzalite is in a solid solution series with the mineral lazulite . A solid solution series is a set of two or more minerals that have a couple of elements that substitute freely for each other. The lazulite-scorzalite series ranges from the magnesium rich lazulite to the iron rich scorzalite. The rarer scorzalite does not differ appreciably, except that it tends to be darker, less transparent and denser than lazulite.
Color is dark azure-blue.
Luster is vitreous to dull. Specimens are translucent. Also granular and massive. Cleavage is distinct in one direction. Fracture is uneven.