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Gemstone Crystal System Density Hardness Refractive index Treatments
Lapis Lazuli
various:
it's a rock!
2.75 5.50 1.500 none

 

 


Lapis Specimen with oval cabochon

Color:
Royal to Dark blue with mottling of gold (pyrite) and white.

Durability:
Fair

Localities:
Afghanistan, Egypt, South America, . Small quantities are also produced in Siberia, in Colorado in the United States, and in Myanmar

The name lapis is Persian for blue.

 

 


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Lapis Lazuli

(A combination of lazurite and other minerals forming a rock)

Lapis lazuli is not a mineral, but a rock consisting of as many as 15 different minerals. It is a contact metamorphic rock with variable composition and varying physical properties, usually forming as the result of contact metamorphism of limestones. The primary minerals present in lapis are lazurite, hauyine, diopside, calcite and pyrite. In Egypt, lapis beads, carvings, scarabs and jewelry date back over 5000 years! It was once believed that an Egyptian statesman was unable to tell a lie if he was holding a piece of lapis. The Buddhists believed that lapis brought its owner peace of mind and the ability to dispel evil thoughts and relieve melancholy. Modern crystal mystics continue to credit lapis with the ability to improve one's mental and emotional outlook. It enables one to open their third eye.

Lapis lazuli is somewhat porous and should be protected from chemicals and solvents. Warm soapy water is the best way to clean it. Lapis is not very hard at 5.5 and should be protected from other jewelry when stored to avoid scratches.