LAPIS LAZULI

'Lapis Lazuli' has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil.

Polish

Rough

The fact of LAPIS LAZULI

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

(Na, Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S, SiO4)6(S, SO4CI)1-2

MOHS HARDNESS

5 - 5.5

Mineral

Calcite, Pyrite, Lazurite

BELIEF & BIRTHSTONE

Since the earliest of times, lapis lazuli has been associated with strength and courage, royalty and wisdom, intellect and truth. From antiquity, lapis lazuli has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil.

QUALITY FACTORS

Color

Deep blue colour which there will be small amounts of white calcite and of pyrite crystals are usually present.

Clarity

Frequently contains varying amounts of whitish calcite matrix—the host rock that surrounds the gem—or flecks or veins of glinting yellow pyrite, or both. The gem can also have a smoothly uniform bodycolor, free of visible pyrite and calcite.

Cut

Typically, lapis cutting styles for use in jewelry are cabochons, beads, inlays, and tablets, as well as decorative carvings.