Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli – what is it? Where does it occur?
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that has wide applications in various fields. It is a metamorphic rock, with lazurite (30-40%) being its main component. It also contains minerals such as sodalite, augite, calcite, diopside, pyrite, hornblende, and mica. The country most known for its occurrence and where stones of the highest quality come from is Afghanistan. Besides, this mineral is also mined in the USA, Canada, Chile, Russia, South Africa, Italy, and Rwanda. Lapis lazuli stones are most commonly found in marbles and skarns. The most valuable lapis lazuli has an intense blue color and contains finely dispersed pyrite inclusions. However, too much pyrite and the presence of calcite decrease the value of lapis lazuli.
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Lapis lazuli stone – color, appearance
The name “lapis lazuli” comes from the Latin word “lapis,” meaning “stone,” and the Persian word “lazaward,” meaning “blue color.” Therefore, the name of the stone originates from its blue color. The sulfur is the coloring substance responsible for its color. Lapis lazuli is often called lazurite and has a wide range of colors from greenish-blue to dark purple-blue. The most valuable specimens of lapis lazuli have a dark blue, evenly distributed color. Lapis lazuli stones have a distinctive appearance because they consist of dark blue lazurite, white calcite, and sparkling golden flecks of pyrite. Lapis lazuli is a stone classified on the Mohs scale of hardness as 5.5.
Lapis lazuli – price, uses
The price of lapis lazuli is influenced by the presence of pyrite and calcite. Pyrite particles increase the value of lapis lazuli, while white or gray layers and calcite fractures decrease its value. In the past, it was used in religious rituals and as a pigment in color production – grinding it produced ultramarine. Lapis lazuli stones have wide applications because they are used in:
- jewelry making – it is used to produce jewelry such as necklaces, rings, and earrings. It is most commonly used in a polished form because the cut brings out its most beautiful features, namely its deep color and shine.
- as collector’s stones.
- as decorative stones – they are used to create artistic objects such as sculptures or mosaics.
In our online store, you will find both lapis lazuli cabochons and faceted stones of this mineral. You can buy lapis lazuli in the following shapes from us: round, irregular, drop, pear, marquise, and oval.