Lapis Lazuli
'Lapis Lazuli' has been worn in the belief that it will ward off evil.
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Polish
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Rough
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THE FACTS
| Mohs Hardness | 5 - 5.5 |
| Chemical Composition | (Na, Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S, SiO4)6(S, SO4CI)1-2 |
| 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. |
