Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Guide
Lapis lazuli is a distinctive deep blue rock that has been treasured for thousands of years. Composed of several minerals rather than a single gemstone, lapis lazuli combines rich colour with historical significance, making it a popular choice for jewellery and decorative objects.
Lapis Lazuli at a Glance
Material type: Rock composed of several minerals
Main blue mineral: Lazurite
Typical colour: Rich blue to violetish-blue
Mohs hardness: Approximately 5–6
Transparency: Usually opaque
Common jewellery uses: Pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings
What is Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals rather than a single mineral gemstone. It is typically made mainly from blue lazurite, along with varying amounts of calcite, pyrite and other minerals. This combination creates the distinctive appearance that has made lapis lazuli valued throughout history.
The deep blue colour and unique character of lapis lazuli have made it a popular choice for jewellery, carvings and decorative objects for thousands of years.
Lapis Lazuli Colour and Appearance
Lapis lazuli displays rich blue tones ranging from royal blue and indigo to slightly greenish-blue and violetish-blue. The mineral lazurite is primarily responsible for the strong blue appearance that characterises quality lapis lazuli.
Colour is an important quality factor. Attractive, strongly saturated blue material is generally desirable, though appearance and customer preference also matter. Small metallic gold-coloured flecks are often pyrite, whilst white or pale areas are commonly calcite. These are natural components that can occur within genuine lapis lazuli. Pyrite should not be confused with actual gold.
Durability and Jewellery Suitability
Lapis lazuli has a hardness that varies around 5–6 on the Mohs scale depending on composition, and its toughness is considered fair. This makes it softer than quartz, sapphire and many other jewellery gemstones, meaning it can scratch or chip if treated roughly.
Lapis lazuli is suitable for pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, beads and rings or signet jewellery when worn with suitable care. We recommend storing lapis lazuli separately from harder gemstones that could scratch its polished surface.
Where Lapis Lazuli is Found
Lapis lazuli is found in several regions worldwide, including recognised historical and modern sources such as Afghanistan, Chile, Russia and other areas. Afghanistan has a long historical association with high-quality lapis lazuli, though geographical origin alone does not determine the quality of an individual stone.
Natural and Treated Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli may be dyed to deepen or even out its blue colour. Some material may also be impregnated or coated with wax or oil to improve colour and lustre. Treatment does not automatically mean the material is imitation, but treatments should be accurately represented and disclosed where relevant.
Glass, plastic, ceramic and other materials can be used to imitate lapis lazuli. When purchasing lapis lazuli jewellery, we recommend buying from reputable jewellers who can provide accurate information about the material.
Caring for Lapis Lazuli Jewellery
We recommend cleaning lapis lazuli with warm or lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, acids, solvents, abrasive cleaners, hard impacts and excessive heat. Treated lapis can be particularly sensitive to heat and solvents, so gentle cleaning is the safest general approach.
FAQ
What is lapis lazuli?
Lapis lazuli is a rock composed of several minerals rather than a single mineral gemstone. It is typically made mainly from blue lazurite, along with varying amounts of calcite, pyrite and other minerals.
What gives lapis lazuli its blue colour?
Add the answer here.The mineral lazurite is primarily responsible for the strong blue appearance that characterises lapis lazuli. The intensity and tone of blue can vary depending on the composition of the material.
Are the gold flecks in lapis lazuli real gold?
No, the small metallic gold-coloured flecks often seen in lapis lazuli are typically pyrite, not actual gold. Pyrite is a natural component that can occur within genuine lapis lazuli.
Is lapis lazuli suitable for rings?
Lapis lazuli can be used in rings and signet jewellery when worn with suitable care. However, it is softer than many other gemstones and can scratch or chip if treated roughly, so it requires more careful handling than harder stones.
How should I clean lapis lazuli jewellery?
Clean lapis lazuli with warm or lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, acids, solvents and excessive heat, as treated lapis can be particularly sensitive.
Is lapis lazuli ever treated?
Yes, lapis lazuli may be dyed to deepen or even out its blue colour, and some material may be impregnated or coated with wax or oil to improve colour and lustre. Reputable jewellers should disclose any treatments.
Where does the finest lapis lazuli come from?
Afghanistan has a long historical association with high-quality lapis lazuli. However, geographical origin alone does not determine the quality of an individual stone. Lapis lazuli is also found in Chile, Russia and other regions.
Is lapis lazuli a birthstone?
Lapis lazuli is not one of the principal modern birthstones, although it appears in some historical and alternative birthstone traditions.