LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis lazuli is a rock, which means it’s an aggregate of several minerals. This ancient gem contains three minerals in varying amounts: lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Sometimes, it also contains one or more of the following: diopside, amphibole, feldspar, and mica.  Its color and mottling can range depending on the amount of each of these minerals.  It has a typical cobalt blue color, often with patches of pyrite (golden) and/ or calcite (white).

THE HISTORY

Lapis is semi-translucent to opaque, with a waxy to glassy luster. It has fair toughness and its hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, depending on the mix of minerals.

Variously described as indigo, royal, midnight, or marine blue, lapis lazuli’s signature hue is slightly greenish blue to violetish blue, medium to dark in tone, and highly saturated. In its most desired form, lapis lazuli has no visible calcite, although it might have gold-colored pyrite flecks. If the flecks are small and sprinkled attractively throughout the gem, their presence doesn’t necessarily lower lapis lazuli’s value.

The traditional source of the finest lapis lazuli is the same today as it was thousands of years ago — the mountains of Afghanistan. The mountainous Northeastern terrain has been an important source throughout antiquity and continues to produce today. Other major deposits are in Russia and the Andes mountains of Chile.

CARING FOR LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis is a very sensitive stone. It is typically carved, fashioned as cabochons and beads, or cut for inlay. A common treatment for lapis is a wax coating to "stabilize" its color and to prevent the porous stone from absorbing perfumes, oils, or other chemicals.
Lapis lazuli is very soft and should only be wiped clean with a soft cloth.  It should always be stored separately to avoid being scratched.