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Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV
Published: June 2014
Modified: February 2023
Lapis Lazuli Polished Lapis Lazuli Rough Lapis Lazuli Jewelry
Table of Contents
  • General Information
  • Lapis Lazuli Colors
  • Alternate Names
  • Countries of Origin
  • History
  • Care
  • More About Lapis Lazuli
  • Simulants
  • Related Videos

Well known throughout the world, lapis lazuli has been prized by numerous civilizations. Lapis lazuli has been used for ornamentation for 6,500 years. It was used to create the pigment ultramarine that was of great importance to Renaissance artists. Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals. It is a sodium-calcium-aluminum silicate which calcite, lazurite, and pyrite are the main components. The highest-prized material is an intense medium to dark blue color with a small scattering of pyrite and no white veins or spots.

General Information

  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical Properties
  • Chemistry & Crystallography
Common Name
Lapis Lazuli
Species
Lapis Lazuli
Transparency
Semitranslucent - Opaque
Dispersion
Strength: None
Refractive Index
1.500-1.522
Optic Character
NA
Optic Sign
NA
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: weak to moderate green to yellowish green
LWUV: The white calcite areas might fluoresce pink
CCF Reaction
dull reddish brown
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
5.5-6
Streak
White To Light Blue
Specific Gravity
2.500-3.000 Typical:2.750
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
Lapis lazuli commonly contains pyrite and white calcite. The pyrite inclusions in natural stones are randomly scattered throughout the stone and have irregular outlines that are surrounded by darker blue rings.
Luster
Vitreous, Waxy
Fracture
Granular, Uneven
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
Lazurite & calcite & Pyritpe
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Rock

Lapis Lazuli Colors

  • Multi-color Lapis Lazuli
    Multi-color
  • Blue Lapis Lazuli
    Blue

Alternate Names

Lapis

Countries of Origin

Myanmar; Afghanistan; Argentina; Russian Federation; Angola; United States of America; India; Canada; Pakistan; Unknown; Italy; Chile; Serbia; Tajikistan

History

Lapis lazuli is an intensely colored royal blue with golden flecks of pyrite and pure white specks of calcite. It is. In the jewelry trade, its name is usually shortened to lapis. Most often cut into beads or en cabochon, you'll love wearing this glorious blue in necklaces and earrings. Exercise care when wearing lapis rings or bracelets. Lapis is softer than many elements - 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale - so be sure to treat it well. Most gemstones are made of a single mineral. Not lapis. It's a rock composed of several materials, most notably calcite, pyrite and lazurite, although many other minerals are present in minimal amounts. They come together in a stone that can quickly become a favorite.

Care

Lapis is porous. It's often dyed to enhance its beauty. Do not use chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Wash in warm water and mild soap; rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

More About Lapis Lazuli

Very few gems have as long and storied a history as lapis. Tomb relics of beads, scarabs, and inlaid jewelry date back more than 5,000 years. The ancient Buddhists believed that lapis brought peace of mind and tranquility of soul to the wearer. Considering its rich blue, we can see how they would believe that.

Simulants

Gilson Imitation Lapis

Gilson imitation lapis is a man-made lapis simulant that gives the look of the widely appreciated natural gemstone lapis lazuli. Because this imitation jewel has some ingredients and physical properties not shared with natural lapis, it is considered a simulant, as opposed to synthetic stone.

Gilson Imitation Lapis Lapis Lazuli
Gilson Imitation Lapis Lapis Lazuli
  • Classification
  • Optical Properties
  • Characteristic Physical properties
Common Name
Gilson Imitation Lapis
Refractive Index
1.53-1.55
Fluorescence
SWUV: inert
LWUV: inert
Specific Gravity
2.33
Inclusions
Gilson imitation lapis will have vibrant and even coloration. Small amounts of minute pyrite particles will be evenly distributed throughout the stone. Surface of the stone might show many small angular, dark violet patches in reflected light. Pyrite inclusions will not have dark blue ring surrounding the inclusion.

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