Lapis Lazuli Gemstone Guide

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lapis lazuli and sodalite may both display strong blue colours but are different materials. Genuine lapis lazuli commonly contains a combination of minerals including lazurite, calcite and pyrite, whereas sodalite is a distinct mineral. Appearance alone is not always enough to identify them conclusively.

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.

Lapis lazuli has been used for jewellery, carvings, decoration and art for thousands of years. Historically, it was also used as a source for ultramarine pigment. Throughout history, lapis lazuli has been associated with royalty, wisdom, truth and status in various cultures.

Lapis lazuli is not one of the principal modern birthstones, although it appears in some historical and alternative birthstone traditions.