Lapis lazuli is a blue rock made up of several different minerals, including lazurite, sodalite, hauyne, calcite, and pyrite. The composition and color of lapis lazuli varies. Still, it is the intense dark blue, with minor patches of white calcite and brassy yellow pyrite, which is considered to be the best quality.
Lapis lazuli has been worn in the belief that it will protect the wearer from evil eye. It has been imitated by stained jasper, and by paste with inclusions of copper. Imitation lapis lazuli is also produced by Pierre Gilson in France, and has a very similar composition to natural lapis lazuli.
The lapis lazuli gemstone comes with uneven fracture in nature. It sometimes has streaks of calcite throughout the rock. The blue color is due to the presence of lazurite. The rock is popularly used in bead necklace and carvings.
Occurrence
Lapis lazuli is usually found as boulders or within limestones. The best-quality lapis lazuli is from Afghanistan. It has been used in many famous pieces, including the mask of Tutankhamun. The Argentinian lapis lazuli is also of a high quality. A pale blue variety occurs in the former USSR and Chile. Lapis Lazuli from the USA is a darker shade of blue. On the other hand, Canadian specimens are lighter in color.
Lapis Lazuli Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.80
- Refractive Index: 1.50 (mean)
- Birefringence (DR): None
- Luster: Vitreous to greasy
- Crystal Structure: Various
- Composition: Rock containing lazurite and other minerlas
- Hardness: 5½
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