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The Gemstone Lapis Lazuli
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Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue opaque gemstone, used in antiquity and continuously used throughout the generations. It still continues to be popular today, and remains one of the most important opaque gemstones. Lapis Lazuli is chiefly composed of the mineral Lazurite, with additional other minerals including white Calcite and sparkling specks of Pyrite. |
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Lapis Lazuli is often called Lapis for short. In fact, the shorthand name "Lapis" is actually used more often to describe this gemstone than the full term "Lapis Lazuli". Lapis Lazuli is rarely without any of the white Calcite present. Embedded Pyrite crystals within most Lapis Lazuli add to the sparkle and naturalness of this gemstone, and when evenly distributed in small amounts makes it more desirable. A deeper blue color makes this gemstone more valuable, as well as a minimal amount of spotting or streaks of white Calcite.
Lapis Lazuli is a sensitive gemstone, and can be chipped or cracked easily when banged. It is also relatively soft so care should be exercised to prevent it from getting scratched. It is also slightly porous and should be protected from chemicals and cleaning solvents.
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Lapis Lazuli, being an opaque gemstone, is cut into cabochons and beads, and used mainly in bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. Ornate carvings and utensils are also carved out of Lapis, especially animal carvings, snuff boxes, and talismans.
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Swiss Lapis - Jasper that is dyed blue to simulate Lapis Lazuli.
Gilson Lapis - Synthetic Lapis simulant that is used to simulate Lapis Lazuli.
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The color of Lapis Lazuli is natural, and it is generally not treated or enhanced, though occasionally lighter colored stones may be dyed a deeper blue.
A synthetic simulant of Lapis Lazuli has been created using the Gilson process. Although Gilson Lapis may look similar to Lapis Lazuli, it not made of the same composition, and lacks the natural random patterns displayed in most true Lapis Lazuli. Howlite and Jasper may also be dyed an ultramarine blue to simulate Lapis Lazuli.
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The most significant source of Lapis Lazuli is Afghanistan. Other commercial deposits are in Russia and Chile.
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Azurite is lower hardness and usually has a darker tint. Sodalite may be difficult to distinguish, though it is usually lighter in color and more coarse-grained.
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